Autologous keratinocytes cultured on benzylester hyaluronic acid membranes in the treatment of chronic full-thickness ulcers

Abstract

Keratinocytes were obtained from three patients with chronic full-thickness ulcers of different aetiologies. The cells were isolated, cultured and then seeded on to a membrane composed of benzylester hyaluronic acid. Once the keratinocytes had become subconfluent, the keratinocyte-containing matrix sheets were then applied as autologous grafts to the patients' ulcers. Results indicate that autologous grafting of keratinocytes cultured on benzylester hyaluronic acid membranes provides improved graft handling, reduces total time required for tissue cultivation and enhances cellular vitality because of the possibility of grafting at a subconfluent non-differentiated stage.