Adipose-derived stem cells embedded in platelet-rich plasma scaffolds improve the texture of skin grafts in a rat full-thickness wound model

Skin grafts are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Increasing the early vascularization of skin grafts is a key factor in improving skin grafting. In this study, we use platelet-rich plasma gel as an adipose-derived stem cell scaffold to assist the growth of rat skin grafts. ADSCs were successfully isolated and seeded into the PRP gel. Using a Lewis rat model, we found the PRP gel + ADSCs significantly improved the properties of the transplanted skin grafts, increased the skin thickness and improved the collagen arrangement. PRP gel + ADSCs promoted skin neovascularization by elevating the expression of the vascularization factors VEGF, BFGF and PDGFB. Taken together, our study indicated that ADSCs combined with PRP have a potentiation effect on improving skin grafts by promoting angiogenesis, providing an innovative approach and a theoretical basis for its clinical application.(C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.