Mimicking Fat Grafting of Fibrotic Scars Using 3D-Organotypic Skin Cultures

The study developed a novel 3D-organotypic skin culture model to mimic hypertrophic scars and investigate the effects of fat grafting using adipose-derived tissue (ADT). This three-layered model improved epidermal homeostasis and morphogenesis, showing similarities to native human skin. ADT presence led to a reduction in myofibroblasts and αSMA expression, indicating decreased fibrosis, and increased collagen waviness, suggesting less fibrotic tissue. However, ADT delayed re-epithelialization in normal fibroblast models. This model offers a new method to study fat grafting's molecular mechanisms and could aid in developing treatments for burn patients. The research was funded by the Dutch Burn Foundation, with no conflicts of interest reported.