Collagen Functionalization of Polymeric Electrospun Scaffolds to Improve Integration into Full-Thickness Wounds

Background: Electrospun fibers are widely studied in regenerative medicine for their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and provide mechanical support. In vitro studies indicated that cell adhesion and migration is superior on smooth poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun scaffolds and porous scaffolds once biofunctionalized with collagen. Methods: The in vivo performance of PLLA scaffolds with modified topology and collagen biofunctionalization in full-thickness mouse wounds was assessed by cellular infiltration, wound closure and re-epithelialization and ECM deposition. Results: Early indications suggested unmodified, smooth PLLA scaffolds perform poorly, with limited cellular infiltration and matrix deposition around the scaffold, the largest wound area, a significantly larger panniculus gape, and lowest re-epithelialization; however, by day 14, no significant differences were observed. Collagen biofunctionalization may improve healing, as collagen-functionalized smooth scaffolds were smallest overall, and collagen-functionalized porous scaffolds were smaller than non-functionalized porous scaffolds; the highest re-epithelialization was observed in wounds treated with collagen-functionalized scaffolds. Conclusion: Our results suggest that limited incorporation of smooth PLLA scaffolds into the healing wound occurs, and that altering surface topology, particularly by utilizing collagen biofunctionalization, may improve healing. The differing performance of the unmodified scaffolds in the in vitro versus in vivo studies demonstrates the importance of preclinical testing.

Automated summary

Electrospun fibers, particularly poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds, have shown promising results in regenerative medicine. In this study, the in vivo performance of PLLA scaffolds with modified topology and collagen biofunctionalization in mouse wounds was evaluated. The results indicated that collagen biofunctionalization, especially on smooth scaffolds, improved wound healing by enhancing cellular infiltration, matrix deposition, and re-epithelialization. However, the differences in performance between in vitro and in vivo studies highlighted the importance of preclinical testing.