Design and Biofabrication of Dermal Regeneration Scaffolds: Role of Oligomeric Collagen Fibril Density and Architecture
David O Sohutskay, Kevin Buno, Sunil S. Tholpady, Samantha J Nier, Sherry L. Voytik‐Harbin
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate dermal regeneration scaffolds custom-fabricated from fibril-forming oligomeric collagen where the total content and spatial gradient of collagen fibrils was specified. Materials & methods: Microstructural and mechanical features were verified by electron microscopy and tensile testing. The ability of dermal scaffolds to induce regeneration of rat full-thickness skin wounds was determined and compared with no fill control, autograft skin and a commercial collagen dressing. Results: Increasing fibril content of oligomer scaffolds inhibited wound contraction and decreased myofibroblast marker expression. Cellular and vascular infiltration of scaffolds over the 14-day period varied with the graded density and orientation of fibrils. Conclusion: Fibril content, spatial gradient and orientation are important collagen scaffold design considerations for promoting vascularization and dermal regeneration while reducing wound contraction.