838 Rete ridges improve epidermal adhesion in engineered skin substitutes containing recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) keratinocytes and normal or RDEB fibroblasts

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe, hereditary blistering disease due to mutations in collagen VII (COL7A1 gene), which forms anchoring fibrils that attach the epidermis dermis. Engineered epidermal grafts containing COL7A1-expressing keratinocytes have shown promise clinical trials, but preclinical studies suggest engineered skin substitutes (ESS) both fibroblasts and might provide greater benefit. Rete ridges are interdigitations of dermis enhance tissue mechanics, increase adhesion, improve shear resistance. Hypothetically, incorporation rete ESS will adhesion. To test this, were prepared with RDEB patient-derived (mutated COL7A1) (all groups), either or normal (COL7A1-expressing) (N=12-14/group). Half each group laser-ablated create ridges; other half had flat dermal-epidermal junctions (DEJs). After culturing vitro for 14 days, mechanical peel testing was used measure Force required remove from recorded Newtons. Statistical analyses utilized SigmaPlot 14.5 p<0.05 considered significant. The results showed significant differences among groups, greatest adhesion ridges. Compared DEJs, presence significantly increased adhesive strength, whether contained fibroblasts. bilayer can improved resistance compared may represent an attractive therapy treatment wounds patients.