Microporous Dermal-Mimetic Electrospun Scaffolds Pre-Seeded with Fibroblasts Promote Tissue Regeneration in Full-Thickness Skin Wounds

The study evaluated the regenerative potential of microporous electrospun scaffolds pre-seeded with dermal fibroblasts for skin wound healing. Using a Fischer 344 rat model, the researchers found that scaffolds composed of 70% collagen I and 30% poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) with 160 μm pores supported fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and ECM deposition. Scaffolds seeded with fibroblasts for 4 days before implantation showed the most effective wound healing, with improved dermal matrix structure and hair follicle regeneration, compared to acellular scaffolds or those seeded for only 1 day. These findings suggested that pre-seeding scaffolds with fibroblasts enhanced tissue regeneration in full-thickness skin wounds.