Cultivation of keratinocytes and preadipocytes on a collagen-elastin scaffold (Matriderm®): First results of an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Survival of severely burned patients has significantly improved during the last decades and the focus has shifted to a better functional and aesthetic outcome. Not only patients after deep excision of burn eschar down to muscle fascia but also patients with congenital deformities or trauma can benefit from the development of sufficient epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous replacements. Aim of the present study was to determine if a bovine-derived collagen matrix with an elastin component (Matriderm®) could serve as a carrier for keratinocytes and preadipocytes. METHODS: Human keratinocytes from split thickness skin grafts as well as human preadipocytes were seeded onto a collagen-elastin-matrix (Matriderm®). Human preadipocytes were isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue and seeded onto the scaffold directly after isolation. Twenty-one days after seeding all scaffolds were histologically evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin as well as immunofluorescence labeling (pref-1 antibody) and immunohistochemical staining (collagen IV). RESULTS: Keratinocytes were primarily observed to adhere to the surface area of the scaffold in epithelial-like layers. Preadipocytes adhered well and penetrated into the deeper layers of the matrix. CONCLUSIONS: The collagen-elastin matrix serves as a useful scaffold for keratinocytes as well as preadipocytes. Matriderm® could not only be used as a dermal substitute but could also serve as a scaffold for reconstructing a three-layered substitute (epidermis, dermis, and subcutis).