(134e) Biofunctionalized Albumin Nanoparticle-Polymer Composites For Skin Tissue Engineering And Wound Remodeling

Nanoparticles synthesized from albumin, an innate, ubiquitous protein found in the human body, are currently being explored for applications such as drug or gene delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. We have functionalized albumin nanoparticles (ANPs) ranging from 40 to 100 nm with the recombinant fragment from fibronectin (FNf) comprised of the RGD-containing module 10 and the synergy-region-containing module 9 by conventional protein conjugation chemistry. When presented on two-dimensional substrates, the functionalized ANPs aided in the accelerated secretion and assembly of extracellular matrix proteins by fibroblasts; additionally, they promoted activated migration by keratinocytes, two processes that are crucial during wound healing. The functionalized ANPs also have been presented on electrospun, three-dimensional poly(DTE carbonate) scaffolds that are bioresorbable and biodegradable. The scaffold-ANP composites were then seeded with fibroblasts and keratinocytes to study the possible establishment of a three-dimensional (3-D) skin analog. The nanoparticle-decorated, 3-D scaffolds provide an effective platform for the study of tree-dimensional migration of fibroblasts into the scaffolds and extracellular matrix protein secretion, including collagen and fibronectin production. Following prolonged fibroblast culture, seeding of keratinocytes onto the scaffold was performed to investigate keratinocyte "epithelialization" and stable adhesion onto the newly secreted matrix.