Gelatin sponge scaffolds loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome enhance full-thickness skin wound healing in rats
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Skin wounds that are full-thickness present a major clinical problem. Although cell-based treatments have limitations, the secretome of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) stimulates recovery through paracrine signaling. This study utilized a gelatin sponge scaffold as a biocompatible delivery platform for the ADMSC secretome, creating a cell-free therapeutic system. Methods: Human ADMSCs were characterized. Their conditioned medium (secretome) was collected and analyzed for key growth factors. Gelatin sponge scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-drying and crosslinking, then loaded with the secretome. Scaffolds were characterized physico-chemically (SEM, FTIR, porosity, degradation). In vitro biocompatibility was tested on dermal fibroblasts. Gelatin/secretome scaffolds, gelatin-only scaffolds, or gauze were used to treat full-thickness excisional wounds in rats (n = 6 per group). Wound closure, histology, collagen, and angiogenesis were evaluated on days 10 and 20. Results: ADMSCs expressed characteristic markers. The secretome contained hepatocyte growth factor (124.45 pg/mL), basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (42.18 pg/mL), and vascular endothelial growth factor (7.54 pg/mL). Scaffolds showed high porosity (85-90%) and supported high fibroblast viability/proliferation. In vivo, gelatin/secretome scaffolds achieved significantly faster wound closure (87.4 ± 4.3% on day 10; 98.7 ± 1.2% on day 20) versus controls (gelatin: 68.2 ± 5.7% and 92.1%; gauze: 62.5 ± 6.1%). They also promoted superior re-epithelialization, collagen deposition (62.4 ± 5.8%), and neovascularization (32.8 ± 4.6 vessels/field). Conclusion: Gelatin scaffolds loaded with ADMSC secretome significantly enhance full-thickness wound healing by accelerating closure, improving tissue regeneration, and stimulating angiogenesis. This cell-free platform represents a promising strategy for clinical wound care.
Source: Social Determinants of Health
Institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7217694987