Fibroblasts-Populated Fibrin Membrane Enhance Wound Closure

New strategies to make cultured fibroblasts grafts more appealing are aimed at reducing the time spent in culture and improving the handling and biologic properties. In the present study, we developed a simple and effective method to fabricate dermal fibroblasts-populated membrane based on (1) the use of fibrin as a 3-dimensional matrix and (2) the use of cell- mediate contraction to make a self assembled, detachable cells-populated membrane. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured by explants method. The fibroblasts encapsulated in fibrin were transferred into 6-well culture plates which pretreated with Sigmacoat® to prevent cell binding on surface of culture dish. Fibroblasts populated fibrin matrix (FPFM) was cultured in attached condition for 7 days and in free floating condition for 1 day. The FPFM were contracted, spontaneously released from culture plate, compacted, and formed tissue-like membrane. The fabricated FPFM revealed uniformly distributed cells and newly synthesized extracellular matrix was deposited in matrix. FPFM could successfully graft into full-thickness cutaneous defect of nude mice, and showed significantly increased wound closure rate. Our results demonstrate that the FPFM membrane delivery system allows for restoration of both the epidermal and dermal compartments.