The effect of Microcarrier-delivered Keratinocytes and Single-stage Matriderm on Wound Contraction and Epithelialisation

Delayed burn wound healing is associated with scarring and contracture formation which may result in functional disability and psychological distress for patients. Specialist long-term management also has significant healthcare costs. The application of sprayed autologous keratinocytes (SAK) to accelerate burn wound healing is well established. The use of gelatin microcarrier beads (Cultisphere G) to culture and deliver autologous keratinocytes (AK) to a wound bed negates the use of murine feeder cells or proteolytic enzymes which may temporarily inhibit cell proliferation, attachment and migration. The aim of this pre-clinical study was to determine the effect of microcarrier-delivered keratinocytes and Matriderm (dermal regeneration template) on wound contraction and epithelialisation