Microporous Dermal-Like Electrospun Scaffolds Promote Accelerated Skin Regeneration

The study aimed to create skin substitutes by combining native extracellular matrix molecules with synthetic polymers, specifically using a 70:30 collagen I/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) ratio. These electrospun scaffolds, with mechanically introduced 160 μm pores, supported fibroblast infiltration and matrix filling, leading to enhanced dermal fibroblast growth and keratinocyte stratification. The scaffolds demonstrated a tensile strength of 1.4 MPa and a low contraction rate (<19%). Upon implantation, they degraded within 3-4 weeks, which was optimal for in vivo applications. When used in full-thickness skin defects, the porous scaffolds accelerated wound closure and promoted healthy dermal tissue regeneration, including blood vessel in-growth and hair follicle development, compared to nonporous scaffolds or sham wounds. These findings suggested that microporous electrospun scaffolds were effective for skin regeneration.