521 Adipose Derived Stem Cells Populated Matrix Promotes Wound Healing in Mice

Abstract Introduction Wound repair and regeneration is a multidisciplinary field of research with considerable value to the treatment of deep and large burn injuries. These injuries lack an appropriate tissue scaffold and pro-healing cells making them difficult to heal. An alternative to the often limited autologous skin is a therapy that would restore the essential matrix and cellular components for rapid healing. Over the last decade, mesenchymal stem cells have become the focus of research in regenerative medicine owing to their ability to provide the essential building blocks for skin regeneration. Herein, we utilize a validated method of wound splinting in a delayed-healing murine model to investigate the pro-healing effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in a novel dermal matrix in the healing of complex wounds. Methods To ensure ASC survival within the gel matrix, cells were incubated with the matrix for 14 days prior to in-vivo studies. Viability was tested at days 3,7 and 14. With ethics approval, full-thickness 8 mm diameter excisional wounds were created and splinted on the dorsum of genetically diabetic mice. Eighteen animals were randomized into 3 groups: 1) occlusive dressing only (control), 2) gel, 3) gel + ASCs. Wounds were photographed at days 0, 7, 10, 14 and wound area was calculated using Image J Software. Histologic samples were examined for architecture and collagen content. Capillary formation was quantified using immunofluorescence. GFP labelling of ASCs was used to track the fate of these cells within the wound. Results The gel matrix supported the survival of ASCs. In-vivo testing showed that treatment groups had accelerated epithelialization. Wounds treated with gel + ASCs had a significant reduction in wound size after Day 10 (p