Generation of the hypodermis in a vascularized three layered skin substitute

Introduction: Patients with third degree burn wounds would benefit from a three-layer skin graft consisting of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. As part of the ArtiVasc 3D EU project we are trying to come closer to this goal and to generate a vascularized 3D skin substitute. Materials and methods: To generate the hypodermis a construct of hydrogels and electrospun matrices will be produced and then seeded with adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) and adipocytes. Results: ASCs adhered and proliferated on the matrices. After 21 days fat vacuoles could be detected as a sign of successful differentiation of ASCs. The use of bioreactors additionally improved the viability of cells within the hydrogel. Discussion and conclusions: The combination of hydrogels and electrospun matrices represents a promising approach for the generation of adipose tissue. Acknowledgments: The research was funded by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) through the ArtiVasc 3D project under grant agreement no. 263416. Disclosures: The authors have nothing to disclose.