Evaluation of the regenerative efficacy of biological dressings developed through tissue engineering

Abstract

Introduction. Recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have developed innovative methods in skin regeneration, in the case of cutaneous wounds, where standard approaches are limited. The aim of the study is to explore the integration of biologically active dressings developed through tissue engineering and their role in the re-generation of cutaneous defects. Materials and methods. By using the methods of antibiotic-antimycotic sterilization, separation, decellularization with non-ionic detergents, enzymatic digestion, sedimentation and dialysis we developed porous biomaterials. We analyzed the eligibility of the tissues for in vivo use by performing qualitative and quantitative tests by scanning electron microscopy, staining with hematoxylin-eosin, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, quantification of deoxyribonucleic acid residues, cytocompatibility with MTT, staining with Calcein Acetoxymethyl and DAPI-Rhodamine Phalloidin. In the preclinical study, Wistar rats were used, divided into 3 experimental groups: 1. saline solution (NaCl 0.9%); 2. collagen sponge from the submucosa of the porcine small intestine combined with 0.01% Povidoneiodine solution and 3. porcine acellular dermis with gentamicin. We followed the regenerative efficacy of tissue-engineered biodressings. The wound closure rate was calculated based on the wound diameter in relation to the initial dimensions. Results. Biological dressings developed from collagen sponge, from the porcine derm and the submucosa of the porcine small intestine showed complete wound closure by keratinized stratified epithelium, as well as the presence of a scar formed in the dermis, characterized by well-organized collagen fibrils and a low content of leukocytes and blood vessels in the wound bed area. Some preparations showed the presence of hair follicles in the dermis, indicating complete restoration of the skin structure. Conclusion. Successful application of tissue-engineered biological dressing in regenerative medicine requires many validation characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability or strength, sterility, mechanical and chemical properties, scaffold architecture, and manufacturing technologies. Due to the combined regenerative, antibacterial and antifungal properties, tissue-engineered biomaterials can be transformed into biodressings for wound healing.