Reinforced bioartificial dermis constructed with collagen threads

In this work, a novel type of composite scaffold was designed, which has the suitability of both high biocompatibility and strong mechanical properties, for use in bioartificial dermis applications. The reinforced scaffold consisted of a lyophilized collagen sponge formed around a cross-linked collagen meshwork with an average thread diameter of approximately 55 μm. Fibroblasts were cultured in the reinforced collagen sponge for 7 days, during which time the pores in the sponge became filled with cells that secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) to form a bioartificial dermis. Results of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) measurements and compression tests indicated that the bioartificial dermis formed around the reinforced collagen sponge showed about ten times the strength of the bioartificial dermis formed around a typical collagen sponge (1.5 ± 0.05 vs. 0.15 ± 0.05 and 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.2 ± 0.08 MPa, respectively). As a result, reinforced collagen mesh improved mechanical properties and this technique will be possible to make stronger scaffolds, not only for artificial skin applications but also various artificial tissues, such as synthetic cartilage, bone, and blood vessels.