1. Introduction

Through the development of cutting-edge techniques for tissue repair and regeneration, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have been transforming the area of medicine ^[1]. In the past, traditional methods such as skin grafts were used for the repair of damaged skin, but tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative ^[2]. Biomaterials, such as tissue scaffolds, have been used extensively in tissue engineering for skin expansion, and zinc and magnesium have been identified as key elements of these biomaterials ^[3].

2. Zinc and Magnesium in Biomaterials

Zinc and magnesium are two essential trace elements that are required for various cellular functions. Zinc is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis, while magnesium is involved in energy metabolism, cell growth, and protein synthesis ^[4]. These elements have been shown to play a critical role in the formation of tissue scaffolds for skin expansion ^[5].

Tissue scaffolds are three-dimensional structures that serve as a template for cell growth and tissue regeneration. Zinc and magnesium have been incorporated into these scaffolds to enhance their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and cellular response ^[6][7]. The incorporation of these elements can be achieved through various methods such as the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles or the addition of magnesium salts to the scaffold material ^[8][9].

3. Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of a tissue scaffold are critical for its success in skin expansion. Zinc has been shown to improve the mechanical strength of scaffolds by enhancing the intermolecular bonding between the scaffold material and the cells ^[3][10]. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been shown to improve the tensile strength of the scaffold material, making it more resistant to deformation ^[8][11].

4. Biocompatibility

The biocompatibility of a tissue scaffold refers to its ability to interact with cells without causing an adverse reaction. Magnesium has been identified as a key element for improving the biocompatibility of scaffolds. Magnesium ions have been shown to enhance the adhesion of cells to the scaffold surface and promote cell proliferation ^[12]. In addition, the use of magnesium salts in scaffold materials has been shown to increase the expression of collagen, a protein that is essential for tissue repair and regeneration ^[13].

5. Cellular Response

The cellular response to a tissue scaffold is critical for its success in skin expansion. Zinc and magnesium have been shown to enhance the cellular response to scaffolds by promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation ^[13]. Zinc has been shown to promote the formation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Magnesium has been shown to enhance the differentiation of cells into specific lineages, such as osteoblasts and chondrocytes, which are important for bone and cartilage tissue engineering ^[14].

6. Skin Expansion

Skin expansion is a process used to generate new skin to cover large areas of damaged or scarred skin. It involves stretching the skin gradually over time using a tissue expander, which is a device that is implanted under the skin. The tissue expander is then inflated with saline solution to create more skin ^[15].

Zinc and magnesium have been shown to play a crucial role in skin expansion. Zinc is involved in the formation of collagen, a protein that provides structural support for the skin. Zinc deficiency can result in impaired wound healing and delayed skin expansion ^[16]. Magnesium is also involved in collagen formation and is required for the growth and differentiation of skin cells ^[17]. The incorporation of zinc and magnesium into tissue scaffolds can enhance the effectiveness of skin expansion and improve the outcomes of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

7. Conclusion

Zinc and magnesium are trace elements that have been found as important components of tissue scaffolds and skin expansion biomaterials. The mechanical qualities, biocompatibility, and cellular responsiveness of tissue scaffolds are all significantly improved by the inclusion of these components. Additionally, they have a role in the production of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its structural support. Skin expansion can be made more efficient and the results of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine can be improved by adding zinc and magnesium to tissue scaffolds.

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under project number no. (101047008).