Histological and biochemical characterization of novel dual-layer amnion and full-thickness perinatal tissue wound care allografts

Abstract

Aims: Processed perinatal tissue allografts have emerged as adjunctive treatment options for chronic wounds. Different processing techniques used to manufacture perinatal tissue allografts can substantially alter their material and biochemical properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform multi-scale characterizations of a dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion allograft. Methods: Histological and biochemical techniques were used to evaluate the extracellular matrix (ECM) microarchitecture and composition of a dual-layer amnion and a full-thickness amnion/chorion allograft. Established assays were performed to quantify graft sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG), collagen, growth factor, and cytokine content. In vitro cellular responses, including proliferation, metabolic activity, and migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was used to assess bioactivity of graft extracts. Results: Histological analysis of dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion grafts demonstrated preservation of native ECM layers containing intact cell nuclei, GAGs, collagen, and elastin. sGAG and collagen content of the grafts were comparable to native tissue values reported in literature. Angiogenic, regenerative, matrix remodeling, immunomodulatory, and neurotrophic growth factors were found in dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion grafts. Both grafts induced a significant increase in metabolic activity of HDFs compared to negative controls. Conclusion: Dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion wound care allografts are comprised of an intact microarchitecture containing a variety of ECM components that can provide bioactive signals to HDFs.