The dermal templates were engineered at the laboratory of Abraham Strook, associate professor at Cornell University, US. The findings were published in the journal Biomaterials. Image: Shutterstock
A team of scientists has developed tissue grafts that promote vascular growth.
Made out of a biocompatible material called type 1 collagen, the dermal plates will reduce the need for surgeries and will accelerate the process of healing as they promote ingrowth within the vascular system. As quoted on the press release: “The grafts promote the ingrowth of a vascular system — the network of vessels that carry blood and circulate fluid through the body — to the wounded area by providing a template for growth of both the tissue (dermis, the deepest layer of skin), and the vessels. Type I collagen is biocompatible and contains no living cells itself, reducing concerns about immune system response and rejection of the template.”
The scientists also designed microchannels that allow the proper growth and absorption of the new tissue.
This tissue graft might put an end to the often-painful reconstructive surgeries that these patients have to endure. The team of researchers will continue working with the tissue graft and will develop a special polymer mesh to cover the wounds.
