Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of a pullulan-based collagen hydrogel film with controlled porosity. The hydrogel is fabricated with salt-induced phase inversion and cross-linking to form a reticular scaffold. This soft collagen scaffold displays excellent handling characteristics, durability, and a porous dermal-like ultrastructure that is maintained in vitro. Cells, including cells involved in tissue repair, are viably sustained within the scaffold. The hydrogel films are biodegradable, and find particular use in wound healing, where the hydrogel scaffold can be replaced by dermal cells over time.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of a pullulan-based collagen hydrogel film with controlled porosity. The hydrogel is fabricated with salt-induced phase inversion and cross-linking to form a reticular scaffold. This soft collagen scaffold displays excellent handling characteristics, durability, and a porous dermal-like ultrastructure that is maintained in vitro. Cells, including cells involved in tissue repair, are viably sustained within the scaffold. The hydrogel films are biodegradable, and find particular use in wound healing, where the hydrogel scaffold can be replaced by dermal cells over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a non-human animal model of hypertrophic scarring. This involves producing an incision in a non-human animal and applying mechanical strain over the incision under conditions effective to produce hypertrophic scarring, thereby producing a non-human animal model of hypertrophic scarring. The present invention also relates to a method of determining the efficacy of an agent for prevention or treatment of a disease condition. This method involves providing a non-human animal having an incision over which mechanical strain is applied under conditions effective to produce hypertrophic scarring, administering an agent to the incision, and determining whether the agent is efficacious for prevention or treatment of a disease condition. Also provided is a non-human animal model of hypertrophic scarring. This involves a non-human animal having an incision over which mechanical strain has been applied under conditions effective to produce hypertrophic scarring.