Abstract: This invention describes a collagen construct uniquely suited as a substrate for production of biologically active wound dressings, skin equivalents or skin substitutes. The collagen construct of the invention comprises a porous collagen sponge and a cell-impermeable transitional layer between the sponge and the boundary surface of the cell-impermeable transitional layer. Optionally, a further layer conducive to the attachment of cells, e.g. keratinocytes, may be coated as a third layer on the cell-impermeable layer. The sponge layer may be seeded with dermal cells, or other suitable cells and the boundary surface or the third layer may be seeded with epithelial cells, e.g. keratinocytes. The process used for the production of this construct also is described.

Abstract: This invention describes a collagen construct uniquely suited as a substrate for production of biologically active wound dressings, skin equivalents or skin substitutes. The collagen construct of the invention comprises a porous collagen sponge and a cell-impermeable transitional layer between the sponge and the boundary surface of the cell-impermeable transitional layer. Optionally, a further layer conducive to the attachment of cells, e.g. keratinocytes, may be coated as a third layer on the cell-impermeable layer. The sponge layer may be seeded with dermal cells, or other suitable cells and the boundary surface or the third layer may be seeded with epithelial cells, e.g. keratinocytes. The process used for the production of this construct also is described.