Poly(D,L-lactide)/PEG blend films for keratinocyte cultivation and skin reconstruction.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel porous thin poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) film as a tissue-engineering scaffold for keratinocytes used for the replacement of damaged skin. Poly(D,l-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG: Mw 6000 or 15 000) blend films were formed by a spin coating technique. The properties and structures of these blend films were investigated. PDLA/PEG (6000) blend films were modified by microfibrillar collagen after water incubation to increase hydrophilicity and improve keratinocyte adhesion. Primary keratinocytes were seeded on PLA films, cultivated for 9 d and transplanted to rats with a model skin defect wound. The wound's healing after keratinocyte transplantation was assayed with histological and immunochemical methods. It was found that skin damage recovery was the most effective after transplantation of keratinocytes on porous PLA film modified with collagen.