Behaviour of fibroblasts and epidermal cells cultivated on analogues of extracellular matrix

A porous collagen sponge can be used for supporting epidermal cells and fibroblasts in order to manufacture an artificial skin. Fibroblasts were grown on analogues of extracellular matrix containing collagen and glycosaminoglycans and/or glycoproteins. Cell replication, and also infiltration of fibroblasts, were enhanced by the presence of hyaluronic acid and/or fibronectin. Epidermal cells grown on a collagen sponge have been characterized by microscopic observations. Epidermal cells on the surface of the sponge showed an incomplete differentiation in comparison to normal skin; clumps of epidermal cells were found in the interior of the sponge. Epidermal cell replication was enhanced in the presence of collagen sponge seeded with fibroblasts.