Electrospun soy protein scaffolds as wound dressings: Enhanced reepithelialization in a porcine model of wound healing

In this study we describe the use of an electrospun soy protein-based tissue scaffold (SPS) as a bioactive wound dressing in a pig model of full thickness excisional wound healing. The time course of wound healing and the quality of the healing tissue were evaluated using histology (H&E and Masson's trichrome staining). While the overall rate of wound closure was similar in the SPS-treated vs. untreated control wounds covered with Tegaderm®, there were significant qualitative differences between the two groups. Two weeks after a single application of SPS at the time of wounding, the SPS treated wounds showed robust signs of reepithelialization, which was absent in the control wounds. After 4 weeks, the SPS treated wounds contained a stratified epithelial layer in the epidermis that looked essentially normal, while the connective tissue in the dermis was attaining a cellular, organized appearance. By contrast the nascent epidermis of the untreated controls appeared immature, while the dermis was still replete with numerous inflammatory/immune cells. Masson's trichrome staining confirmed the increased presence of collagen in the dermis of the SPS treated wounds at 4 weeks, while the control wounds were largely devoid of collagen. Finally, in addition to enhanced reepithelialization and dermal tissue regeneration, 4 weeks after application of the SPS dressing, we observed the presence of dermal appendages, such as sweat glands and hair follicles. No such appendage forma...
Source: Wound Medicine - Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research