| Three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable and biomimetic
porous scaffolds are ideal frameworks for skin tissue
engineering. In this study, hybrid constructs of 3D scaffolds were
successfully fabricated by the freeze-drying method from
combinations of the type I collagen (Col) and synthetic
poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). Four
different groups of 3D porous scaffolds including PCL, PCL−
Col, PCL−PLLA, and PCL−PLLA−Col were fabricated and
systematically characterized by hydrogen nuclear magnetic
resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adipose tissue-derived
mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) were seeded in all scaffolds,
and the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of the cells were
investigated using dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium bromide
assay and SEM. The results showed that scaffolds containing Col, particularly PCL−PLLA−Col scaffold, with pore sizes close to
400 nm and being sufficiently interconnected, have significantly greater potential (p < 0.01) for encouraging AT-MSCs
adhesion and growth. The PCL−PLLA provided a mechanically stronger mesh support, and the type I Col microsponges
encouraged excellent cell adhesion and tissue formation. The scaffold with the best properties could be an appropriate
functional candidate for the preparation of artificial skin constructs |