Engineering of a Dual‐Layer Biomimetic Skin: A Novel Barrier Against Hypertrophic Scarring in Rabbit Ear Models

ABSTRACT Excessive collagen accumulation in the skin wound area resulting from abnormal skin injury healing results in the formation of a hypertrophic scars. Although a wide range of therapeutic treatments available, it remains challenging to identify the most approach. In this study, functionalised graphene oxide (FGO) covalently bonded to polycarbonate urethane (PCU), trade registred as Hastalex(R) was electrospun directly onto a decellularized human amniotic membrane (AM) to engineer an ultrathin bilayer membrane (AM/Hastalex) with enhanced biomechanical and biological attributes for the prevention of post‐wound hypertrophic scar formation. The electrospinning of Hastalex on AM generated a three‐dimensional microenvironment with fibrous nano/microstructures, appropriate for stem cell development and proliferation. The bilayer membrane's biological and mechanical characteristics were thoroughly examined in vitro. The scaffold exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical characteristics in comparison to AM alone. The in vivo effectiveness of AM/Hastalex in promoting wound healing was evaluated on rabbit ears with hypertrophic scars using a full‐thickness wound model. At 28 and 50 days following implantation, the evaluation concentrated on how well it reduced the formation of hypertrophic scars. When compared to wounds covered with AM alone and wounds without implantation (control), the wound beds dressed with bilayer membranes showed a significant decrease in collagen expression and deposition, as well as a notable increase in MMP1 expression. Our findings strongly support that by AM/Hastalex as an excellent suturable membrane suitable for the treatment of full‐thickness wounds and prevention of hypertrophic scars, and now proceed with clinical investigation.