Application of a sea urchin-derived collagen skin substitute for the treatment of full-thickness wounds: a preliminary study

Skin wounds are a challenging problem in the medical field and an economical burden. Skin substitutes (SS) are promising choices for wound healing since they mimic skin architecture and supports its regeneration. Here, we present a preliminary study about the application of a sea urchin-derived collagen-based SS [1, 2] in a second intention wound healing model. Two wounds were surgically created on the back of three sheep: one wound was treated with the SS and one was left untreated. The wound healing process was assessed with clinical observations and histological plus molecular analysis at 7, 14, 21 and 42 days. The SS led to a better re-epithelialization than the placebo while no differences in wound contraction were observed. Histologically, treated wounds showed skin appendages already at day 14 and a higher cellular proliferation (Ki67+) with a faster resolution of the granulation tissue (GT) respect than the placebo. These results were further corroborated by gene expression levels of Collagen type I and III at 14 and 21 days. Concomitantly, a higher gene expression of VEGF (day 14) and a lower positivity for α-SMA+ cells (day 21 and 42) were observed in treated wounds. The application of a sea urchin-derived SS led to a faster re-epithelialization, a better development of skin appendages and a properly maturation of GT. On the contrary, control wounds showed epidermal hyperplasia and dermal fibrosis. Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that this collagen-based SS possess beneficial properties, worthy of further investigations, for the treatment of full-thickness skin wounds. References 1. Ferrario et al. Mar Environ Res. Jul;128:46-57, 2017; 2. Ferrario et al. Mar. Drugs, 18, 414, 2020.