Evaluation of multilayered implantation with collagen-elastin dermal substitute (Matriderm®) in nude mouse

Abstract

Materials for soft tissue augmentation as well as restoration of defective areas have been requested and developed continuously. Xenoplastic substitutes which can be applied without scarifying donor sites are noteworthy among various materials made up of autoplastic, alloplastic and synthetic substances. Matriderm® (Dr. Suwelack Skin & Health care AG, Billerbeck, Germany) is a matrix sheet consists of bovine type I collagen fiber template coated with α-elastin hydrolysate and can be utilized as a dermal substitute in case of full thickness skin defects or severe burn injuries. This study was mapped out to investigate Matriderm® not only as a dermal substitute but also as a material for soft tissue augmentation. We studied the capability of bio-integration of the collagen-elastin dermal substitute (Matriderm®, Dr. Suwelack Skin & Health care AG, Billerbeck, Germany) when it was implanted being stacked into three layers, 6mm thickness. Matriderm® was also stacked into two layers for 4mm thickness as a control group and implanted subdermally on the dorsum of nude mice. Specimens of the inserted dermal substitute and the surrounding tissues were obtained from both the control group and the experiment group after certain periods: 3 days, 10 days, 20 days, 30 days and 40 days postoperatively. They underwent haematoxylin-eosin, CD 31 immunohistochemistry, Masson''s trichrome and Verhoeff van Gieson staining. We observed alteration of thickness, degree of vasculogenesis through CD 31 immunohistochemistry staining, collagen and elastic fiber synthesis. 6mm thick Matriderm® had maintained its volume ratio as much as 4mm thick Matriderm® although thickness decreased throughout 6 weeks of experimental period. We expect they will be preserved constantly after being replaced by host derived collagen and elastic fibers. Vasculogenesis, collagen and elastic fiber synthesis took place fluently on the farthest portion from the host tissue at early stage of implantation. Collagen and elastic fibers became more concentrated as time passed and the architecture of Matriderm® has not been maintained anymore due to being replaced with newly formed collagen and elastic fibers in 40 days from implantation. The collagen fibers were randomly distributed as observed in healthy connective tissues, in constrast to pathologic appearance of scar tissues. In conclusion, Matriderm® is considered as an appropriate dermal matrix for tissue ingrowth and can be utilized as a new substitute for soft tissue augmentation. However, a research throughout sufficient period should precede a clinical application for the augmentation of soft tissues.