Enhanced Wound Healing with Engineered Dermal Tissues: Collagen-Based Scaffolds Enriched with Chitosan, Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes, and Angiotensin II

Chronic wounds represent significant health challenges due to the complex, multistep nature of wound healing, which involves numerous key factors. Effective wound healing is not all about wound closure but also about restoring the skin's normal texture, appearance, and function. Engineered skin substitutes have emerged as a potential treatment. This project developed novel engineered dermis tissues (EDTs) using collagen-based scaffolds enriched with chitosan, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and angiotensin II (Ang II) to enhance wound healing. These EDTs were tested in a mouse full-thickness wound model and evaluated macroscopically and histologically after 14 days. Results showed that all transplanted EDTs significantly reduced wound contraction and increased epithelialization, especially those containing Ang II. The transplanted EDTs did not affect wound closure or the thickness of the new epidermis or dermis. Overall, our EDTs improved wound healing quality by promoting epithelialization and reducing contraction.