Controlled release of rhEGF and rhbFGF from electrospun scaffolds for skin regeneration

Controlled delivery of multiple therapeutic agents can be considered as an effective approach in skin tissue engineering. In this study, recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) encapsulated in PLGA microspheres were loaded in hybrid scaffolds of PLGA and PEO. The scaffolds with various formulations were fabricated through electrospinning in order to maintain dual, individual or different release rate of rhEGF and rhbFGF. Morphological, physical and mechanical properties of the scaffold were investigated. The scaffold possessed uniform morphology with an average diameter of 280 nm for PLGA and 760 nm for PEO nanofibers. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were shown to be akin to those of human skin. Bioactivity of the scaffolds for human skin fibroblasts was evaluated. The HSF acquired significant proliferation and well-spread morphology on the scaffolds particularly in the case of different release rate of rhEGF and rhbFGF which implies the synergistic effect of the growth factors. Additionally, collagen and elastin gene expression was significantly up-regulated in the HSF seeded on the scaffolds in the case of individual delivery of rhEGF and dual delivery of rhEGF and rhbFGF. In conclusion, the prepared scaffolds as a suitable supportive substrate and multiple growth factor delivery system can find extensive utilization in skin tissue engineering.