Micromechanics of Fibroblast Contraction of a Collagen-Gag Matrix

Abstract

Contractile fibroblasts play a major role in the synthesis and remodeling of scar tissue following dermal injury. Inhibition of dermal wound contraction by contractile fibroblasts, using a collagen-GAG matrix, has been linked to the blocking of scar formation[1]. Scar tissue is mechanically and functionally inferior to the dermal tissue which it replaces. Specifically, scar tissue is weaker, physically disfiguring, and can lead to restricted joint mobility.