Photocurable Films Based on Fibroin and Gelatin for Skin Regeneration

Abstract One of the current problems in regenerative medicine is the search for new approaches for skin restoration. A promising area is the use of biocompatible materials. Such constructs can serve as the basis for biomedical products designed to replace damaged tissue or function as wound dressings. In this work, photopolymerized films based on silk fibroin and methacrylated gelatin (F-MG) were created. An in vitro study revealed that the use of films as a substrate for the cultivation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes leads to a change in the kinetics of cell growth. According to the MTT assay, the fibroblasts’ proliferation rate was lower on photopolymerized films, while that for keratinocytes was higher compared to culture plastic. The effect of the obtained films on skin regeneration was investigated in vivo in a model of a full-thickness wound of mouse skin. The use of F-MG films as wound dressings contributed to faster wound healing and more complete recovery of the skin structure compared to control (use of gauze). Animals of the experimental group exhibited the formation of hair follicles and the reduction of the scar area after 28 days.