Buccal Mucosa Repair with Electrospun Silk Fibroin Matrix in a Rat Model

Introduction Biomimic electrospun matrix derived from silk fibroin nanofiber solution was recently prepared in our group. The feasibility of the matrix as mucosa repair scaffold was evaluated in a rat model in the present study. Methods Full thickness wound was established on the buccal mucosa of male Wister rats via microscopic oral surgery. 80 rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: ( 1 ) silk fibroin matrix, ( 2 ) commercial cowhide acellular dermal matrix (Heal-AII), ( 3 ) commercial acellular dermal matrix of human skin (RENOV), and ( 4 ) vaseline gauze, respectively. Results The silk fibroin matrix showed similar repair performance compared to the commercial acellular dermal matrices, implying promising applications in mucosa regeneration. More importantly, the silk fibroin matrix showed better wound healing ability, improved wound shrinkage inhibition, and reduced local immunological incompatibility. Conclusions The silk fibroin scaffold performed satisfied in scar tissue inhibition and epidermis regeneration. Taking into account its improved mechanical properties, the biomimic electrospun silk matrix could become a promising substitute of acellular dermal matrix in clinical applications.