Hypromellose films for the delivery of growth factors for wound healing

Hypromellose was investigated as a carrier for extending topical growth factor delivery to wounds. Films of hypromellose (E4M, K4M and E10M) containing a model protein horseradish peroxidase (1% w/w HRP, MW 40 000) were cast from aqueous solutions and dried at 37 degrees C. In-vitro release was determined using Franz-type diffusion cells and films were mounted directly into the Franz cell or cast onto a wound dressing (Melolin) backing. There was an initial burst release then an extended release over 5 h. The Melolin backing significantly reduced the burst but not the extended release rates (P < 0.05). Release of HRP was also determined from 7% w/v hypromellose gels and was significantly lower for E10M than E4M, suggesting that, once hydrated, the E10M hypromellose provides the greatest resistance to HRP release. The release profile of basic fibroblast growth factor from Melolin-backed films made from E4M hypromellose was not significantly different at any time point to that of HRP release from the same formulation. Hypromellose may be incorporated into a wound dressing such as Melolin to provide a prolonged release of an incorporated protein active.