Poly(d,l lactic-co-glycolic) membranes seeded with human adipose stem cells for dermal substitute

Dermal substitutes must be flexible, degrade rapidly and stimulate the growth of new dermis preventing fibrosis formation. Bioreabsorbable polymers, such as poly (d,l lactic-co-glycolic) (PDLGA) do not stimulate tissue growth, but when associated with inductive molecules or cells, it can provide tissue repair. In this study, PDLGA (67:23) membranes were synthetized and to verify its degradation properties, it was analyzed before and after cell culture. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the copolymer presented force and deformation features desired as a dermal substitute. Early degradation after 7 days was shown by thermal and morphological analysis. The recent isolated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, known to modulate scar and fibrosis formation, seeded in PDLGA membranes remained phenotypically undifferentiated. The fast degradation rate and the properties to support cell survival, directs to the PDLGA essential properties as a candidate for a polymer-cell construct, focused to modulate skin repair.