Archive | 2019
Scaffolds for dermal tissue engineering
Abstract
Abstract Skin grafts are often used to restore skin defects after trauma and cancer. Scarcity of skin and donor site morbidity have led to the development of various bioengineered and synthetic alternatives to promote healing in superficial and deep skin wounds. This chapter gives an updated overview of the different bioengineered and synthetic products that are currently available for treatment of dermal skin defects. An overview is given of scaffolds that substitute the dermal layer or both the epidermal and dermal layer. Results of relevant clinical studies using these products are given. A variety of skin substitutes are on the market today. Some show to be excellent alternatives for autologous skin grafts. Despite this, current challenges still to be addressed are the high cost, the variable graft take in the wound, the altering pigmentation of the newly formed skin, and the often reduced skin mobility and elasticity in the treated area. Using skin scaffolds shows promising clinical results. Future developments in this field are, however, necessary to overcome current disadvantages such as high cost, variable take, uneven pigmentation, or reduced skin mobility and elasticity.