Decellularized dermal matrix-based photo-crosslinking hydrogels as a platform for delivery of adipose derived stem cells to accelerate cutaneous wound healing
Qitao Bo, Yan Li, Hao Li, Zihao Jia, Anqi Zhan, Jie Chen, Zhaoqi Yuan, Wei Zhang, Bowen Gao, Ru Chen
Abstract
The development of an effective delivery vehicle that gives rise to a microenvironment that promotes skin regeneration remains a challenge in the field of stem cell-based therapeutic strategy for skin tissue engineering. Here, we fabricated a photo-crosslinkable hydrogel based on a decellularized dermal matrix (DDM) combined with o-nitrobenzene-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-NB). The HA-NB/DDM hydrogels can be crosslinked in situ under UV ultraviolet light irradiation and adhere strongly to the surrounding skin tissue. Results showed that nude mice treated with the HA-NB/DDM hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) accelerated wound healing compared with those treated with the hydrogel or ASCs alone and untreated control animals. Neo-epidermal formation and angiogenesis was better in wounds treated with ASC-loaded hydrogels. Further, epidermal–dermal junctions with healthy epidermal protrusions and dermal projections were observed in wounds treated with the ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogels. Collagen deposits resembling the natural collagen structure and arrangement were observed in wounds treated with the ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogel. Further, ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogels can achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects in wounds with irregular defects. Hence, the developed HA-NB/DDM hydrogel can serve as a stem-cell delivery platform that undergoes rapid in situ gelation and strong adhesion with the surrounding tissue and accelerate wound healing.