Bioengineering Skin Using Mechanisms of Regeneration and Repair

The 2007 review "Bioengineering skin using mechanisms of regeneration and repair" discussed the progress and challenges in the development of artificial skin. Despite advancements, these skin substitutes often faced issues like poor integration, scarring, and lack of differentiated structures. The study highlighted the potential of new synthetic biomaterials in controlling wound repair and regeneration mechanisms. It also explored the role of fibrocytes, which constitute 10% of cells infiltrating wounds, in wound healing and skin regeneration. The researchers suggested that understanding fibrocyte behavior could lead to improved tissue repair therapies. Another study found that MRL/MpJ mice exhibited superior wound healing and regeneration capabilities, suggesting the importance of growth factors like TGF-ß and VEGF in wound healing. The researchers also experimented with PEG hydrogel technology to regenerate hair follicle structures in mice, indicating the potential of hydrogels in developing advanced tissue-engineered replacement therapies.