Regeneration of elastic fibers by three-dimensional culture on a collagen scaffold and the addition of latent TGF-β binding protein 4 to improve elastic matrix deposition.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of latent TGF-β binding protein 4 (LTBP-4) on elastic fiber regeneration in three-dimensional cultures of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Appropriate collagen scaffold for elastic fiber regeneration was also examined. Collagen sponges cross-linked at 120 °C and composed of small pores (25 μm on average) was favorable for elastic fiber regeneration by HDFs.

Preparation of collagen/gelatin sponge scaffold for sustained release of bFGF.

Artificial dermis (AD) has been used to regenerate dermis-like tissues in the treatment of full-thickness skin defects, but it takes 2 or 3 weeks to complete dermal regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated gelatin microspheres (MS) into the AD accelerates the regeneration of dermis-like tissue. However, injection of gelatin MS before clinical use is complicated and time consuming.

Incorporation of basic fibroblast growth factor into preconfluent cultured skin substitute to accelerate neovascularisation and skin reconstruction after transplantation.

Cultured skin substitutes (CSS) with both epidermal and dermal components seem to be ideal, but they have not been widely used clinically, partly because it takes several weeks to produce them. Decreasing the number of seeding cells may reduce the period required for production, but it still takes a long time before the cells become confluent and neovascularisation is completed in CSS after grafting. As we have already succeeded in reducing the number of seeded keratinocytes in this study, we first attempted to reduce the number of seeded fibroblasts.

In vivo culturing of a bilayered dermal substitute with adipo-stromal cells.

Background: Skin grafting is an important procedure to cover skin defects. Recently, cultured epidermal sheets and bilayered cultured skin have been used clinically, but they lack subcutaneous tissue. The objective of this study was to produce a bilayered dermal substitute with adipose tissue simultaneously in vivo.

Handling characteristics of poly(L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) monofilament suture.

A monofilament suture made of poly(L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) was examined by several mechanical tests to evaluate handling characteristics for tight tying. Six types of other monofilament sutures were also examined for comparisons. Two of these were nonabsorbable, while the others were absorbable sutures.

Viability and function of autologous and allogeneic fibroblasts seeded in dermal substitutes after implantation.

Background: Fibroblast-seeded collagen sponges have been used for the treatment of skin defects and skin ulcers. However, the viability of the fibroblasts after implantation is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the viability and distribution of autologous and allogeneic fibroblasts after implantation and to clarify which type is more effective for wound healing.