Single-Cell Suspensions of Cultured Human Keratinocytes in Fibrin–Glue Reconstitute the Epidermis

Abstract

To overcome common disadvantages of standard cultured epidermal sheet grafts (CEG) we have developed a new technique of transplanting cultured human keratinocytes suspended as single cells in a fibrin–glue matrix (Keratinocyte–fibrin–glue suspension—KFGS). In an athymic mouse model with reproducible standardized full thickness wounds this new technique was compared directly to CEG. Reepithelialization was similar in both groups, but reconstitution of the dermo-epidermal junction zone, as shown by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry was significantly enhanced by the fibrin–glue suspension technique. The new KFGS technique is earlier available than sheet grafts, is able to transfer actively proliferative single keratinocytes, and simplifies the application.