Composite fibrin and collagen scaffold to enhance tissue regeneration and angiogenesis

The goal of this study is to determine optimal composition of fibrin matrix and to develop a smart composite fibrin and collagen scaffold for tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) showed more rapid F-actin assembly and cell migration in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix consisting of a physiologic range of fibrinogen concentrations. Microvascular and cellular densities of the composite fibrin and collagen scaffold implanted into nude mice were significantly higher than for a porous collagen matrix without fibrin (p < 0.01). Histomorphometrically, stromal cell ingrowths, CD31-positive microvasculatures, and deposition of ECM matrix were more evenly distributed in the composite scaffold. The results demonstrate that fibrin admixed with porous collagen sponges can be used as a smart template for tissue regeneration.