ABSTRACT
Several materials are commercially available as substitutes for skin. However, new strategies are needed to improve the treatment of skin wounds. In this study, we developed and characterized a new device consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and collagen associated with mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue. To develop the bilaminar device, we initially obtained a membrane of PLGA by dissolving the copolymer in chloroform and then produced a collagen type I scaffold by freeze-drying. The materials were characterized physically by gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and mass loss. Biological activity was assessed by cell proliferation assay. A preliminary study in vivo was performed with a pig model in which tissue regeneration was assessed macroscopically and histologically, the commercial device Integra being used as a control. The PLGA/collagen bilaminar material was porous, hydrolytically degradable, and compatible with skin growth. The polymer complex allowed cell adhesion and proliferation, making it a potentially useful cell carrier. In addition, the transparency of the material allowed monitoring of the lesion when the dressings were changed. Xenogeneic mesenchymal cells cultured on the device (PLGA/collagen/ASC) showed a reduced granulomatous reaction to bovine collagen, down-regulation of α-SMA, enhancement in the number of neoformed blood vessels, and collagen organization as compared with normal skin; the device was superior to other materials tested (PLGA/collagen and Integra) in its ability to stimulate the formation of new cutaneous tissue.
