Platelet lysate can support the development of a 3D-engineered skin for clinical application

Safety concerns associated with foetal bovine serum (FBS) have restricted its translation into clinics. We hypothesised that platelet lysate (PL) can be utilised as a safe alternative to produce serum-free 3D-engineered skin. PL supported a short-term expansion of fibroblasts, with negligible replication-induced senescence and directed epidermal stratification. PL-expanded fibroblasts were phenotypically separated into three subpopulations of CD90(+)FAP(+), CD90(+)FAP(-) and CD90(-)FAP(+), based on CD90 (reticular marker) and FAP (papillary marker) expression profile. PL drove the expansion of the intermediate CD90(+)FAP(+) subpopulation in expense of reticular CD90(+)FAP(-), which may be less fibrotic once grafted. The 3D-engineered skin cultured in PL was analysed by immunofluorescence using specific markers. Detection of ColIV and LMN-511 confirmed basement membrane. K10 confirmed near native differentiation pattern of neo-epidermis. CD29- and KS-positive interfollicular stem cells were also sustained. Transmission and scanning electron microscopies detailed the ultrastructure of the neo-dermis and neo-epidermis. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of the effect of PL on skin maturation, growth factor contents in PL were measured, and TGF-beta 1 was identified as one of the most abundant. TGF-beta 1 neutralising antibody reduced the number of Ki67-positive proliferative cells, suggesting TGF-beta 1 plays a role in skin maturation. Moreover, the 3D-engineered skin was exposed to lucifer yellow on days 1, 3 and 5. Penetration of lucifer yellow into the skin was used as a semi-quantitative measure of improved barrier function over time. Our findings support the concept of PL as a safe and effective serum alternative for bioengineering skin for cell therapies.

Automated summary

This study found that platelet lysate (PL) can be used as a safe and effective serum alternative for bioengineering skin for cell therapies. PL supports the expansion of fibroblasts and directed epidermal stratification, and promotes better transplantation outcomes by regulating the expression of CD90 and FAP. Moreover, PL is rich in growth factors, including TGF-beta 1, which contributes to skin maturation. This research is of great importance for the development of bioengineered skin.