Keratinocyte-seeded BIOBRANE for grafting of full thickness wounds

BIOBRANE an adherent, flexible temporary wound dressing was incubated with cultured human keratinocytes. The cells adhered quickly forming, "membrane-cell-grafts" (MCG) which were transplanted on full thickness wounds created on athymic mice. Healing was observed and immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were performed. Conventional cultured epidermal grafts (CEG) served as control. Compared with CEG-grafted sites a reduced wound contraction was noticed and complete remodeling of the basement membrane zone was found. The efficiency of the easy, uncomplicated production and use as well as the short culture period could lead to a new approach in the treatment of burn and chronic wounds.