Biopolymers and cell. 2006; 22 (6): 446 - 451

Artificial skin equivalent based on copolymeric hydrogel membranes with immobilized human mesenchymal stem cells

O.O. Kosenko, L.L. Lukash, Yu.M. Samchenko, T.A. Ruban, Z.R. Ulberg, N.P. Galagan

The basic parameters of hydrogel membranes, which are important for their characteristics as potential biocompatible non-degradable wound coverings, have been optimized. Moderately hydrophobic and at the same time moderately hydrophilic membranes obtained on the basis of copolymerization of acrylamide and acrylonitrile were demonstrated to be biocompatible with mesenchymal stem cells. Small concentrations of highly dispersed silica introduced into a composition of hydrogel membranes were demonstrated to influence the cell cultivation positively. The technological conditions necessary for more effective and prolonged cultivation of cells on the surface of hydrogel membranes with improved exploitation parameters have been established.

Key words: skin equivalent, hydrogel, mesenchymal stem cells, immobilization, cultivation, nutrient medium.