Soy Protein/Cellulose Nanofiber Scaffolds Mimicking Skin Extracellular Matrix for Enhanced Wound Healing

Abstract

Historically, soy protein and extracts have been used extensively in foods due to their high protein and mineral content. More recently, soy protein has received attention for a variety of its potential health benefits, including enhanced skin regeneration. It has been reported that soy protein possesses bioactive molecules similar to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and estrogen. In wound healing, oral and topical soy has been heralded as a safe and cost-effective alternative to animal protein and endogenous estrogen. However, engineering soy protein-based fibrous dressings, whilst recapitulating ECM microenvironment and maintaining a moist environment, remains a challenge. Here, we describe the development of an entirely plant-based nanofibrous dressing comprised of cellulose acetate (CA) and soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) using rotary jet spinning. The spun nanofibers successfully mimic physicochemical properties of the native skin ECM and exhibit high water-retaining capability. In vitro, CA/SPH nanofibers promote fibroblast proliferation, migration, infiltration, and integrin β1 expression. In vivo, CA/SPH scaffolds accelerate re-epithelialization and epidermal thinning as well as reduce scar formation and collagen anisotropy in a similar fashion to other fibrous scaffolds, but without the use of animal proteins or synthetic polymers. These results affirm the potential of CA/SPH nanofibers as a novel wound dressing.

Graphical Abstract

A plant-based biomimetic cellulose/soy protein nanofibrous wound dressing is fabricated using rotary jet spinning. Its physicochemical properties mimic native extracellular matrix in skin and exhibit high water-retaining capability for enhanced wound healing. The plant hybrid wound dressing accelerates in vitro dermal fibroblast proliferation, spreading, and migration. Furthermore, it promotes re-epithelialization and reduces epidermal thickness and scar area in mouse model.