Analysis of Cell-seeded, Collagen-rich Hydrogel for Wound Healing

Abstract

Background:. Our laboratory has previously developed a novel collagen-rich hydrogel (cHG), which significantly increases the speed of wound healing in diabetic rats. Methods:. In this study, we examine the in vitro survival and migration of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipose-derived stem cells in a novel cHG. Furthermore, we test the ability of adipose-derived stem cell–seeded cHG to support cell survival and accelerate healing in vivo. Results:. In vitro, cell survival within the cHG was retained for 25 days. We were unable to detect cellular migration into, out of, or through cHG. In the in vivo model, bioluminescence of stem cells seeded within the cHG in diabetic rat wounds was detected until day 10. Rate of wound closure was higher for cHG plus adipose-derived stem cells versus control from day 2 until day 16 and significant on days 6, 8, and 12 (P < 0.05). This significant difference was also observed on day 16 by histology (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions:. We conclude that cHG is a good candidate for delivering adipose-derived stem cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts to wounds. Future studies will determine whether the delivery of combinations of different cell lines in cHG further enhances wound healing.