Locally controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor from multilayered capsules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cytokine delivery systems are crucial for therapeutic applications.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a vital role in cell proliferation and tissue repair.
• Developing controlled-release carriers for growth factors is an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop biodegradable multilayered capsules for encapsulating and controlling the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
• To investigate the pH-dependent permeability of chitosan/dextran sulfate capsules for drug loading.
• To evaluate the efficacy of bFGF-loaded capsules in promoting fibroblast cell proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of multilayered hollow capsules using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of chitosan (CT) and dextran sulfate (Dex).
• Encapsulation of bFGF by controlling capsule membrane permeability through pH adjustments.
• In vitro release studies of bFGF in serum-free medium.
• Assessment of cell proliferation using mouse L929 fibroblast cells.

Main Results:

• Chitosan/dextran sulfate capsules exhibited pH-dependent permeability, enabling controlled loading of bFGF.
• Approximately 34 μg of bFGF was encapsulated per 1 mg of capsule.
• Sustained release of bFGF over 70 hours was observed.
• bFGF-loaded capsules significantly enhanced fibroblast cell proliferation for two weeks compared to free bFGF.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable multilayered capsules are effective carriers for local and sustained delivery of bFGF.
• The developed system demonstrates potential for applications in regenerative medicine and drug delivery.
• Controlled release of bFGF from these capsules promotes significant cell proliferation.