Challenges of Porcine Wound Models: A Review
Margarita Elloso, Maria Fernanda Hutter, Nicklas Jeschke, Graham Rix, Yufei Chen, Alisa Douglas, Marc G. JeschkePigs are important translational research models for wound healing due to their skin, which is similar to human skin in terms of anatomy and physiology. Porcine wound models have been developed and used for years to study wound healing and evaluate various therapeutic agents. However, the study of porcine wound healing is multilayered as it involves not just the complex biological processes of wound healing but also cost, animal housing, handling, staff experience, and challenges such as procedural risks and human resources. In this review article, we discuss the various challenges of the model. Investigators using pig models should be well informed of the challenges of the porcine wound model to prevent possible problems and complications.