Gelatin-Chondroitin-6-Sulfate-Hyaluronic Acid Scaffold Seeded with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165 Modified Hair Follicle Stem Cells as a Three-Dimensional Skin Substitute

The study investigated the use of a three-dimensional gelatin-chondroitin-6-sulfate-hyaluronic acid (Gel-C6S-HA) scaffold combined with genetically-modified rat hair follicle stem cells (rHFSCs) to enhance vascularization in tissue-engineered skin. The rHFSCs were modified to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 165 and seeded onto the scaffolds. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats with bilateral full-thickness skin defects were divided into four groups, with Group A receiving the VEGF165-modified rHFSCs on Gel-C6S-HA scaffolds. After 14 and 21 days, Group A showed the highest rate of wound healing and the maximum microvessel density (MVD), indicating the greatest formation of new blood vessels. The study concluded that tissue-engineered skin constructs using Gel-C6S-HA scaffolds seeded with VEGF165-modified rHFSCs significantly promoted angiogenesis and vascularization, suggesting a novel approach for skin substitutes.