Comparison of two decellularized dermal equivalents

Abstract

Immunologically inert allogeneic acellular dermal scaffolds provide a matrix with molecular architecture close to native tissues, which synthetic scaffolds cannot. Not all nature-derived scaffolds possess the same biological and physical properties. The different properties of scaffolds supporting cellular growth used for manufacturing tissue engineered grafts could lead to different implantation results. The scaffold properties should be carefully considered in order to meet the expected outcomes of tissue engineered grafts. In this report, we evaluated the cellular growth on AlloDerm® and Allopatch, 2 acellular scaffolds derived from human cadaver skin, using a fabricated 3D organotypic culture with primary human oral keratinocytes to produce an ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME). A well stratified epithelium could be constructed on both scaffolds. AlloDerm® and Allopatch EVPOMEs were also implanted into severe combined immunodeficiency mice to compare the ingrowth of blood vessels into the dermal component of the two EVPOMEs. Blood vessel counts were 3.3 times higher (p = .01) within Allopatch EVPOMEs than within AlloDerm® EVPOMEs. An oral and skin keratinocyte co-culture, separated by a physical barrier to create a cell-free zone, was used to evaluate cell migration on AlloDerm® and Allopatch. Slower cell migration was observed on Allopatch than on AlloDerm®.

Keywords: 3D culture; acellular dermal equivalents; keratinocytes; mucocutaneous junction; oral mucosa; scaffold; skin; tissue engineering.