Study on the Biological Characteristics of Acellular Dermal Matrix as Pressure Ulcer Filler

Abstract

On the basis of previous studies on allogeneic acellular dermal matrix, the biological characteristics of acellular dermal matrix were investigated as filler in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Human skin was sterilized by γ-ray, and then treated with 0.05% Trypsin enzyme /EDTA to prepare dermal acellular matrix. The changes of physical properties of dermal matrix, such as microstructure, were observed. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the decellulatory effect of matrix. Human fibroblasts (HFB) were inoculated into the dermal surface of the matrix to test the toxicity of the matrix on cell growth with CCK-8, and DAPI staining was used to observe the growth of cells in the matrix. The experimental result shows: the microstructure and compressive modulus of acellular dermal matrix are similar to these of normal skin, and no significant difference enists between the compressive elastic modulus of matrix (12.59±5.50) MPa and the control material (6.75±2.20) MPa, (P>0.05). HE staining results show that the cells are removed effectively, and no cells or cell fragments are visible in the matrix. After 1, 4, and 7 days co-culture of HFB with substrate, the substrate has no effect on the growth of HFB compared with HFB with medium alone, indicating that the substrate has no cytotoxicity. After 3 days of co-culture, the number of cells increases continuously. After co-culture for 9 days, DAPI-stained HFB grows towards the thickness of the matrix and fills the matrix along thickness. The acellular dermal matrix treated by γ-ray sterilization and 0.05% Trypsin enzyme/EDTA is a reliable repair method for treating pressure ulcers, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Keywords

• dermis
• acellular matrix
• mechanical property
• fibroblasts
• biocompatibility