A novel scaffold-based model for stage II pressure injury simulation: protocol development and future directions in tissue engineering

Abstract

This study developed a 3D tissue-engineered scaffold to mimic human sacral skin for modeling pressure injuries. The scaffold consisted of a composite hydrogel of sodium alginate, gelatin, and tannic acid, crosslinked with calcium chloride. Swelling tests showed moderate hydration capacity, while wound mimic formation using a custom 3D-printed apparatus produced consistent morphology and dimensions comparable to human dermal tissue. The scaffold maintained structural integrity under prolonged compressive forces, demonstrating viability for pressure injury studies. Future work will incorporate a bilayer model with keratinocytes and fibroblasts and introduce elastin to enhance elasticity and mechanical properties. This approach aims to improve in vitro modeling of pressure injuries, addressing limitations of animal models and 2D cultures by replicating the skin’s complex structure and cellular environment in an affordable and reproducible manner