1
Return

Biomimetic Dermal Substitutes for Skin Reconstruction: Advances in Scaffold Design, Biological Integration, and Clinical Performance

delete2026-08-13
delete0
delete
OA
AI
B
Bogdan Mircea Măciuceanu Zărnescu
I
Iulia Ioana Lungu
A
Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu *
A
Alexandru Scafa Udriște
C
Cosmin Constantin Baciu
D
Daniela Anghel
A
Adrian Radu Rădulescu
A
Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
S
Sebastian Vâlcea
DOI:10.3390/jfb17080397delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Reconstructive surgery still faces various challenges when dealing with the reconstruction of complex skin defects, regardless of their origin (e.g., trauma, burns). Split-thickness autologous skin grafts remain the gold standard; however, this technique comes with several limitations, including donor site morbidity, infection, and scarring. Since extensive research on conventional techniques has not provided sufficient long-term results, there has been a shift toward dermal substitutes made from regenerative biomaterials that can aid wound management and support tissue restoration. This structured review will introduce the challenges posed by complex skin defects, the limitations of autologous skin grafts and conventional reconstruction techniques, and the emerging field of dermal substitutes and biomimetic scaffolds. Moreover, the native dermis is presented as a blueprint for biomimetic scaffold design, along with key principles to consider when engineering a dermal scaffold, from architecture and porosity to angiogenic potential. A critical examination of the main classes of available dermal substitutes and their clinical performance is conducted, highlighting their limitations and the translational gaps in current evidence. Although the current pool of biomaterials still faces challenges in accurately mimicking the properties and architecture of natural skin, future perspectives offer promising alternatives that could overcome these limitations.
Keywords:
polymeric biomaterials
skin tissue engineering
dermal scaffolds
wound healing
dermal regeneration
extracellular matrix
collagen-based scaffolds
biodegradable polymers
angiogenesis
3D bioprinting

Journal

Journal of Functional Biomaterials cover
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
IF:
5.2
Papers:
2.4K
Citations:
7.4K

Organization

U
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila
Scholars:
253
Papers: 77
Citations: 0
U
University of Bucharest
Scholars:
4.5K
Papers: 3.4K
Citations: 3.8K
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers