A Nd:YAG laser-microperforated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-basal membrane matrix composite film as substrate for keratinocytes.

Epithelia cultured for the treatment of ulcers, burns and for gene therapy applications require a flexible biomaterial for growth and transplantation that is adaptable to body contours. We tested several materials and found that a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) polyester provided support for keratinocytes, although adhesion to this material proved to be suboptimal. Since epithelia adhere to the mesoderm through basal membranes, we engineered a basal membrane surrogate by preparing composites of PHBHV with basal membrane matrix (BMM). To allow cell migration into injuried areas the polyester film was micromachined to insert high-density micropores through a Nd:YAG laser ablation process. These flexible composites provided firm attachment for keratinocytes from the outer root sheath of human hair allowing keratinocyte migration through micropores. Films of microperforated PHBHV-BMM may be of use for the replacement of diseased or injured skin epithelia.