Severe burns, which often damage the dermis and hypodermis, pose a clinical challenge. Dermal matrices are used to replace lost dermis and support wound healing by providing structural support and guiding tissue repair. Burns usually heal with contractures, scarring, and incomplete recovery of dermal function. This thesis focuses on the development of collagen-based dermal matrices designed to improve healing by mimicking the regenerative fetal wound environment. A full-thickness skin equivalent (FSE) based on eschar fibroblasts was developed and compared to a dermal fibroblast-based FSE. The eschar fibroblast-based FSE exhibited contractile behavior and was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the matrices. This study provides a framework for the development and translational application of dermal matrices in the treatment of burns.
Gizem (1992) obtained her Master’s degree in Bioengineering from Yıldız Technical University in 2017, focusing on biomaterials. She founded GK Biotechnology, a spin-off developing nerve conduits, which concluded in 2020. In 2021, she began her PhD within the SkinTERM project at MedSkin and Radboudumc, researching dermal matrices. She currently works as R&D Manager at GfN-Selco and KBM Biomaterials in Germany.