Microskin grafting of rabbit skin wounds with Biobrane overlay

Abstract

Biobrane was used to overlay micrografts and the wound using the microskin grafting technique with an expansion ratio of 10:1 in 16 rabbits. The rabbits were divided randomly into four groups, with four rabbits in each group, for evaluating the wound conditions on days 7, 10, 12 and 14. Histological examination of the removed Biobrane showed a variable degree of entrapment of inflammatory cells within the nylon fabric. Biobrane adhered well to the wounds although many wrinkles containing fluid accumulations were noted on day 7. By 10, 12 and 14 days all the wounds become dry and their Biobrane adhered completely. Histological examination of the grafted wound on day 7 showed active proliferation and spread of micrografts. In the later groups, the neoepidermis increased in thickness and differentiated into skin with a normal texture. On day 10, the wounds were almost completely resurfaced with neoepithelium. The growth of these grafts progressed smoothly as the adherent Biobrane was kept on the wound for 12 or 14 days. In these animal studies, the overlain Biobrane provided favourable conditions for the successful growth of micrografts.