Study Of An Active Artificial Skin Using Collagen Composite Membrane As A Scaffold

A collagen composite membrane with porous network structure made of I collagen, chitosan and hyaluronic acid (2.5%) was developed by freezing drying and crosslinking for tissue culture as an active artificial skin. The structures and properties of the collagen composite membrane were studied. The results of physiological saline solution immersion, tensile strength, SEM and WVTR showed that the collagen composite membrane accorded with the demands of artificial skin when the concentrations of chitosan were 6.0%, 8.0%, 10.0% and the concentrations of glutaraldehyde were 0.30%, 0.25% or 0.20%, 0.20% respectively. The result of in vitro degradation experiment showed that the degradation rate of the collagen composite membrane was smaller than the pure collagen membrane and collagen/HA membrane. The result of cell proliferation experiment showed that the collagen composite membrane had no cytotoxicity and was better than the pure collagen membrane for cell adhesion and proliferation, which were same as collagen/HA membrane. The result of tissue culture showed that most of cells were into the pores or adhered to the surface. The cell morphology was normal .As time passed, the number of cells was increased and the cells formed into network slice. The result of animal experiment showed that the active artificial skin was good at adherence, fluid absorption and WVTR, and helped to heal. There was no apparent scar after the wound was healed. The result of histological experiment showed that the active artificial skin guide the ingrowth of fresh tissues and promoted the growth of epidernial cells and fibroblasts. The collagen composite membrane degraded in 14-21 days.