Micropatterned Dermal–Epidermal Regeneration Matrices Create Functional Niches That Enhance Epidermal Morphogenesis
December 2013
in “
Acta Biomaterialia
”
micropatterned dermal–epidermal regeneration matrix μDERM epidermal morphogenesis keratinocyte function keratinocyte niches proliferative niches basement membrane protein synthesis putative stem cell niches epidermal thickness keratinocyte proliferation laminin-332 β1brip63+ keratinocytes skin regeneration graft performance skin substitutes in vitro skin research skin regeneration matrix skin grafts lab-grown skin
TLDR The new matrix improves skin regeneration and graft performance.
The study demonstrated that micropatterned dermal–epidermal regeneration matrices (μDERMs) significantly enhanced epidermal morphogenesis by creating functional niches that promoted better organization and function of the regenerated epidermis. Narrow channel topographies (50μm and 100μm) increased keratinocyte proliferation and normalized epidermal thickness, while wider channels (200μm and 400μm) enhanced basement membrane protein synthesis. Incorporating fibroblasts into μDERMs further improved epidermal thickness and morphology, closely mimicking native tissue environments. These findings underscored the importance of microtopography and fibroblast signaling in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, suggesting that μDERMs could improve outcomes for patients requiring skin regeneration therapies.
