Human cell-derived dermal-specific interwoven extracellular matrix for diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Diabetic wounds present significant clinical challenges due to their multifactorial and complex pathological characteristics. Although commercially available allogenic and xenogeneic tissue-derived acellular dermal matrices have been employed in chronic wound management, their utility is constrained by limited donor availability, potential immunogenicity, mismatched biomechanical properties, and batch-to-batch variability. Consequently, these limitations often result in incomplete wound closure and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes across patient populations. To overcome these challenges, we designed a completely biological and human dermis-specific acellular interwoven extracellular matrix (iECM). To closely replicate the ECM complexity and collagen bundle architecture of native dermis, a soft lithography-based approach was employed to guide human dermal fibroblast organization, enabling subsequent ECM deposition in an interwoven pattern. Post decellularization, the iECM retained both the compositional and structural features of native dermis, with a bulk elastic modulus (4 MPa) comparable to human dermal tissue (3–18 MPa). Upon implantation in a full-thickness diabetic rat wound model, iECM significantly accelerated healing rates by 80% compared to non-structured ECM by promoting granulation tissue formation, enhancing angiogenesis, accelerating resolution of inflammation, supporting uniform collagen deposition, and enabling complete re-epithelialization. By mimicking the architectural, compositional, and mechanical properties of native dermis, the highly biomimetic iECM presents a promising strategy for diabetic wound management.

Statement of significance

Chronic wounds, like diabetic wounds, are a clinical challenge due to complex pathophysiology, impaired healing mechanisms, and limited effect of numerous treatment approaches like skin substitutes and wound dressings. This research work presents a completely biological, human cell-derived acellular dermal matrix fabricated using soft lithography, to mimic the interwoven architecture and mechanical properties of native extracellular matrix. Unlike traditional dermal matrices, the bioengineered iECM exhibits biomimicry, robustness, and regenerative potential, promoting collagen organization, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization in chronic diabetic wound healing. This work introduces a bioinspired matrix, offering a promising advancement with the potential to transform chronic wound management.