Development of a cell-derived matrix: effects of epidermal growth factor in chemically defined culture.

Extracellular matrices without animal components and with high mechanical strength are needed for the development of the next generation of viable skin replacements. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to maximize the strength and collagen content of cell-derived matrix (CDM) produced by fibroblasts in vitro in serum-free media. Scaffold-free CDM samples were produced by human dermal fibroblasts in the presence of 0-50 ng/mL EGF in chemically defined media.