The viable bioengineered allogeneic cellularized construct StrataGraft® synthesizes, deposits, and organizes human extracellular matrix proteins into tissue type-specific structures and secretes soluble factors associated with wound healing

• Published in: Burns Vol. 50; no. 2; pp. 424 - 432
• Main Authors: Steiglitz, Barry M., Maher, Robert J., Gratz, Kenneth R., Schlosser, Sandra, Foster, Jenna, Pradhan-Bhatt, Swati, Comer, Allen R., Allen-Hoffmann, B. Lynn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Extracellular matrix proteins; Organotypic culture; Skin regeneration; Soluble peptide factors; Wound healing; PBS; DE; Wound healing; HGF; Extracellular matrix proteins; Organotypic culture; DEJ; DPT; DAPI; Skin regeneration; CICP; VEGF-A; ECM; bFGF; MMP; GM-CSF; NHDF; SDF-1α; Soluble peptide factors; TGF-β1; PlGF; ELISA
• ISSN: 0305-4179; 1879-1409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.06.001

StrataGraft® (allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in murine collagen–dsat) is an FDA-approved viable bioengineered allogeneic cellularized construct for adult patients with deep partial-thickness burns requiring surgery. We characterized the structural and functional properties of StrataGraft to improve product understanding by evaluating extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule distribution and secreted protein factor expression in vitro. ECM protein expression was determined using indirect immunofluorescence on construct cross sections using commercial antibodies against collagen III, IV, VI, laminin-332, and decorin. Human collagen I expression was verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for collagen I C-terminal propeptide. Soluble protein factor secretion was quantified by multiplex biomarker assays and singleplex ELISA in conditioned media from meshed constructs. StrataGraft cellular components produced collagen I, collagen III, collagen VI, and decorin in patterns indicating an organized ECM. Distributions of collagen IV and laminin-332 indicated formation of basement membranes and dermal-epidermal junctions. Soluble protein factors were observed in the pg/cm2/h range from 1 h to the experiment end at 168 h. The organization of the ECM proteins was like human skin and the viable cellular components provided sustained secretion of soluble wound healing factors, making StrataGraft an attractive option for treating severe burns. •The cellular components of StrataGraft create a structure similar to human skin.•StrataGraft secretes proteins linked to each stage of acute wound healing.•StrataGraft keeps its structural and functional properties after cryopreservation.•StrataGraft may be a good option to treat severe burns while sparing donor sites.