Development of gelatin hydrogel nonwoven fabrics (Genocel®) as a novel skin substitute in murine skin defects

Abstract

Introduction: Genocel is an emerging material, used in cell culture, with high mechanical strength and good cytocompatibility. Based on these characteristics, Genocel is considered a promising skin substitute for wound healing. In this study, we explored the possibility of using Genocel as a skin substitute for murine skin defects and compared it with a conventional skin substitute. Methods: Sheets of Genocel and Pelnac were applied to skin defects created on the backs of mice. On days 7, 14, and 21, the remaining wound area was evaluated and specimens were harvested for HE, Azan, anti-CD31, CD68, and CD163 staining to assess neoepithelialization, granulation tissue, capillary formation, and macrophage infiltration. Results: No significant differences in the wound area or neoepithelium length were observed between groups. The number of newly formed capillaries in the Genocel group was significantly higher than that in the Pelnac group on day 7 (p < 0.05). In contrast, granulation tissue formation in the Pelnac group was greater than that in the Genocel group on day 14 (p < 0.05). Regarding macrophage infiltration, the pan-macrophage number, M2 macrophage number, and M2 ratio in the Pelnac group were higher than those in the Genocel group on day 14 (p < 0.05). In other aspects, the two materials displayed comparable behavior. Conclusions: Genocel can be used as a skin substitute equivalent to the conventional one. In addition, Genocel accelerated capillary formation, which is more appropriate than conventional treatments for chronic skin ulcers, such as diabetic ulcers.