Thrombin as important factor for cutaneous wound healing: Comparison of fibrin biomatrices in vitro and in a rat excisional wound healing model

Abstract

Fibrin biomatrices have been used for many years for hemostasis and sealing and are a well-established surgical tool. The objective of the present study was to compare two commercially available fibrin biomatrices regarding the effect of their thrombin concentration on keratinocytes and wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Keratinocytes showed significant differences in adhesion, viability, and morphology in the presence of the fibrin matrices in vitro. A high thrombin concentration (800-1,200 IU/mL) caused deteriorated cell compatibility. By using a thrombin inhibitor, those differences could be reversed. In a rat excisional wound healing model, we observed more rapid wound closure and less wound severity in wounds treated with a fibrin matrix containing a lower concentration of thrombin (4 IU/mL). Furthermore, fewer new functional vessels and a lower level of vascular endothelial growth factor were measured in wounds after 7 days treated with the matrix with higher thrombin concentration. These in vivo results may be partially explained by the in vitro biocompatibility data. Additionally, results show that low thrombin biomatrices were degraded faster than the high thrombin material. Hence, we conclude that the composition of fibrin biomatrices influences keratinocytes and therefore has an impact on wound healing.

The clot thickens: Autologous and allogeneic fibrin sealants are mechanically equivalent in an ex vivo model of cartilage repair

“…Additionally, all-allogeneic and all-autologous sealants provide mechanically similar graft adhesion to articular cartilage, and therefore the biological ramifications could be considered when deciding which source to use. Autologous components contain lower fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations compared to allogeneic sources, and this could lead to improved cell migration and matrix deposition[46–50]. Our results demonstrate that the benefits of autologous source components can be appreciated without sacrificing mechanical performance of the fibrin sealant.…”

The Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Conditioned Media Topically Delivered in Fibrin Glue on Chronic Wound Healing in Rats

“…On contrary, in their in vitro model of wound reepithelialization, Geer and colleagues [ 43 ] showed that fibrin affects keratinocyte activation and increases the consistency of the healing response. An interpretation to such discrepancy may largely depend on the composition of fibrin biomatrices that might considerably control its effect on wound healing [ 44 ]. Additionally, the efficacy of fibrin sealant depends greatly on the surgical situation it is used in [ 40 ].…”

Novel fibrin-fibronectin matrix accelerates mice skin wound healing

“…They are also widely used for tissue engineering, and drug and cell delivery. However, studies on using purified fibrin sealant alone to enhance wound healing are limited [ [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] ]. The outcomes are positive but inconsistent and limited.…”