[Materials and structure design of artificial dermis equivalent based on collagen]

The schematic structure model, materials selection and microstructure modulation are introduced for the design of artificial dermis equivalent. The artificial skin should also possess a bilayer structure that imitates then natural skin, i.e. the top layer functions as a temporary epidermis which is composed of polymer elastomer that is permeable for moisture but not for water, the bottom layer is the skin regeneration template employing collagen based sponge. In addition to collagen, polysaccharides like glycosaminoglycan is also used in the artificial dermis equivalent in order to simulate the natural extracellular matrix of skin and to modulate the degradation rate. The pore size and morphology of collagen porous membranes can be controlled by variation of the pH value, concentration and freezing temperature. Hence, the microstructure of the dermis equivalent can be optimized. The collagen based artificial dermis equivalent thus fabricated may be an option to skin graft in the clinical treatment of full skin injuries and ulcers.