Viscoelastic, physical, and bio-degradable properties of dermal scaffolds and related cell behaviour

Dermal scaffolds promote healing of debilitating skin injuries caused by burns and chronic skin conditions. Currently available products present disadvantages and therefore, there is still a clinical need for developing new dermal substitutes. This study aimed at comparing the viscoelastic, physical and bio-degradable properties of two dermal scaffolds, the collagen-based and clinically well established Integra® and a novel fibrin-based dermal scaffold developed at our laboratory called Smart Matrix®, to further evaluate our previous published findings that suggested a higher influx of cells, reduced wound contraction and less scarring for Smart Matrix® when used in vivo. Rheological results showed that Integra® (G' = 313.74 kPa) is mechanically stronger than Smart Matrix® (G' = 8.26 kPa), due to the presence of the silicone backing layer in Integra®. Micro-pores were observed on both dermal scaffolds, although nano-pores as well as densely packed nano-fibres were only observed for Smart Matrix®. Average surface roughness was higher for Smart Matrix® (Sa = 114.776 nm) than for Integra® (Sa = 75.565 nm). Both scaffolds possess a highly porous structure (80–90%) and display a range of pore micro-sizes that represent the actual in vivo scenario. In vitro proteolytic bio-degradation suggested that Smart Matrix® would degrade faster upon implantation in vivo than Integra®. For both scaffolds, the enzymatic digestion occurs via bulk degradation. These observed differences could affect cell behaviour on both scaffolds. Our results suggest that fine-tuning of scaffolds' viscoelastic, physical and bio-degradable properties can maximise cell behaviour in terms of attachment, proliferation and infiltration, which are essential for tissue repair.