Wound dressings containing bFGF-impregnated microspheres

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Effective wound healing requires optimal conditions for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
• Current treatments often lack sustained delivery of critical growth factors, limiting efficacy.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is crucial for wound repair but requires controlled delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel bilayer wound dressing incorporating bFGF-loaded microspheres.
• To evaluate the in vitro release kinetics and bioactivity of bFGF from the microspheres.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy of the bilayer dressing in promoting skin wound healing in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• Microspheres containing bFGF were prepared and characterized for size and morphology.
• In vitro release studies and fibroblast proliferation assays were conducted to assess bFGF bioactivity.
• Bilayer dressings (gelatin sponge and polyurethane membrane) were fabricated with bFGF microspheres.
• Full-thickness skin defects in pigs were treated with the novel dressings, and healing was assessed histologically.

Main Results:

• Microspheres exhibited an average size of 14.36 ± 3.56 µm, with pore sizes of 80-160 µm in the gelatin sponge.
• In vitro studies confirmed controlled bFGF release and sustained bioactivity, promoting fibroblast proliferation.
• In vivo studies demonstrated significant wound area reduction and biocompatibility, with no adverse reactions.
• Histological analysis revealed newly formed dermal structures similar to normal skin, indicating effective tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The novel bilayer wound dressing effectively delivers bFGF in a controlled and bioactive manner.
• The dressing promotes optimal conditions for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration in skin defects.
• This advanced wound dressing shows significant potential for enhancing wound healing and tissue repair.