Decellularized dermal matrix-based photo-crosslinking hydrogels as a platform for delivery of adipose derived stem cells to accelerate cutaneous wound healing

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The development of an effective delivery vehicle that gives rise to a microenvironment that promotes skin regeneration remains a challenge in the field of stem cell-based therapeutic strategy for skin tissue engineering. Here, we fabricated a photo-crosslinkable hydrogel based on a decellularized dermal matrix (DDM) combined with o-nitrobenzene-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-NB). The HA-NB/DDM hydrogels can be crosslinked in situ under UV ultraviolet light irradiation and adhere strongly to the surrounding skin tissue. Results showed that nude mice treated with the HA-NB/DDM hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) accelerated wound healing compared with those treated with the hydrogel or ASCs alone and untreated control animals. Neo-epidermal formation and angiogenesis was better in wounds treated with ASC-loaded hydrogels. Further, epidermal–dermal junctions with healthy epidermal protrusions and dermal projections were observed in wounds treated with the ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogels. Collagen deposits resembling the natural collagen structure and arrangement were observed in wounds treated with the ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogel. Further, ASC-loaded HA-NB/DDM hydrogels can achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects in wounds with irregular defects. Hence, the developed HA-NB/DDM hydrogel can serve as a stem-cell delivery platform that undergoes rapid in situ gelation and strong adhesion with the surrounding tissue and accelerate wound healing.