Nematic Fibrin Fibers Enabling Vascularized Thrombus Implants Facilitate Scarless Cutaneous Wound Healing
April 2023
in “
Advanced materials
”
fibrin fibers vascularized thrombus implants cutaneous wound healing microcapillary vessel networks microfluidic shear stresses platelets endothelial cell maturation vascularization epidermis thickness collagen deposition hair follicle numbers neutrophil infiltration microvascular circulation M2 phenotype macrophages skin wound healing blood clot implants blood vessels skin thickness collagen hair follicles white blood cells blood flow macrophages
TLDR Using blood-based implants improves skin healing and reduces scarring.
The study presents implantable vascularized engineered thrombi (IVETs) using autologous whole blood to enhance skin wound healing by constructing robust microcapillary vessel networks at the wound site. Microfluidic shear stresses align bundled fibrin fibers and activate platelets, creating an optimal microenvironment for endothelial cell maturation and vascularization. Rodent dorsal skin wounds treated with IVETs showed superior wound closure rates (96.08 ± 1.58%), increased epidermis thickness, collagen deposition, hair follicle numbers, and reduced neutrophil infiltration due to enhanced microvascular circulation. Additionally, IVET treatment accelerates wound healing by recruiting M2 phenotype macrophages. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
