Biophysical Characterization of a Novel Tri-Layer Placental Allograft Membrane

OBJECTIVE: Placental tissues, including membranes composed of amnion and chorion, are promising options for the treatment of chronic wounds. Amnion and chorion contain multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and a multitude of growth factors and cytokines that, when used clinically, assist in the progression of difficult to heal wounds through restoration of a normal healing process. The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro physical and biological properties of a dehydrated tri-layer placental allograft membrane (TPAM) consisting of a chorion layer sandwiched between two layers of amnion. APPROACH: Mechanical properties were evaluated by mechanical strength and enzyme degradation assays. The ECM composition of TPAM membranes was evaluated by histological staining while growth factors and cytokine presence was evaluated by a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proliferation, migration, and ECM secretion assays were performed with fibroblasts. Immunomodulatory properties were assessed by a pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction assay while the macrophage phenotype was determined by quantifying the ratio of M1 versus M2 secreted factors. RESULTS: The unique three-layer construction improves mechanical handling properties over single- and bi-layer membranes. Results demonstrate that TPAM is rich in ECM proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and favorably influences fibroblast migration, proliferation, and ECM secretion when compared to negative controls. Furthermore, after processing and preservation, these membranes maintain their intrinsic immunomodulatory properties with the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory processes and modulate the M1 and M2 macrophage phenotype toward a pro-regenerative profile when compared to a negative control. INNOVATION: This is the first study to characterize both the biophysical and biological properties of a tri-layer placental membrane. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that TPAM has improved handling characteristics over single- and bi-layer membranes, stimulates pro-healing cellular responses, and advantageously modulates inflammatory responses, altogether making this scaffold a promising option for treating wounds, especially those that are complex or difficult to heal.