Vascularization potential of a dermal skin substitute material (Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix) by proangiogenic growth factors and ASC - an in ovo study

In the treatment of severe burn injuries, autologous skin transplantation is increasingly being supplemented by synthetic dermis substitute materials. Novosorb® Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a polyurethane foam used in a surgical procedure that currently requires a period of up to 21 days for successful neovascularization and integration, which is associated with a longer inpatient treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the growth factors EPO, FGF, PDGF, VEGF and adipogenic stem cells (ASC) in shortening the time required for BTM grafting and vascularization. BTM containing growth factor and/or ASC was grafted onto to the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in different configurations. The average vascular growth of the BTM in 9 different experimental groups was analyzed in comparison to the control group. After 7 days, the experiment was terminated, and the vascularization of the BTM was evaluated by macroscopic image analysis with ImageJ/Fiji, along with histological HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for vascular-specific factors. Successful grafting and vascularization of the BTM in ovo were achieved for the first time. The addition of growth factors and ASC increased the average vascularization of the BTM and the entire CAM. All experimental groups showed promising vascularization patterns, with the BTM + ASC and BTM + PDGF + ASC groups excelling. Differentiation of ASC was not induced in combination with BTM or growth factors. BTM vascularization is improved by proangiogenic growth factors and ASC, which can form the basis for clinical strategies aimed at shortening the inpatient treatment of severely burned patients.