Nanoskin® Subcutaneous Implant in Guinea Pigs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the suitability of Nanoskin, a biomaterial derived from bacterial cellulose, as an alternate material for repairing the posterior lamellae of the eyelids. METHODS: Forty guinea pigs received a fragment of Nanoskin subcutaneously in the dorsal region. The animals received Nanoskin (group 1) or Nanoskin coated with a gelatin layer (group 2). The animals were observed daily for over 7, 30, 90, or 180 days with the subcutaneous implants in place. The animals were euthanized at a designated time and the Nanoskin was removed for histologic, morphometric, and transmission electron microscopy evaluation. RESULTS: The results were similar for both groups. The subcutaneously implanted Nanoskin resulted in good tissue integration, induced mild inflammation, and was surrounded by a delicate pseudocapsule. CONCLUSION: The good tissue integration of Nanoskin in study indicates that it may be a potential material for application as a substitute of posterior eyelid lamellar tissue. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the preliminary outcomes of this experimental study.

Nanoskin® to treat full thickness skin wounds.

This experimental study evaluated 40 guinea pigs that received Nanoskin®. A full thickness skin rectangle measuring 2x4 cm was removed from the median dorsal region and the wound was covered by a 2X2 cm fragment of uncoated Nanoskin® graft (uncoated group) or Nanoskin® coated with gelatin (coated group) and sutured in the caudal region and a 2x2 cm fragment of autologous skin sutured in the cranial aspect of the surgical wound served a control. The animals were examined daily by ectoscopy and euthanized at 7, 30, 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Immediately after euthanasia, the operated area was shaved, documented with photos and removed, and prepared for morphological, morphometric and ultrastructural exam. It was found that the full thickness skin wound healed in a centripetal pattern. The healing process was similar between groups, with a more pronounced inflammatory reaction initially that gradually decreased over time. The conclusion is that the uncoated Nanoskin® or Nanoskin® coated with gelatin is a good material to treat full thickness skin wound. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res B Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 724-732, 2019.