Accelerated tissue regeneration through incorporation of basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated gelatin microspheres into artificial dermis

Biomaterials. 2000 Mar;21(5):489-99. doi: 10.1016/s0142-9612(99)00207-0.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated gelatin microspheres into an artificial dermis on the regeneration of dermis-like tissues. When used in the free form in vivo, bFGF cannot induce sufficient wound healing activity, because of its short half-life. Therefore, sustained release of bFGF was achieved by impregnation into biodegradable gelatin microspheres. A radioisotope study revealed that incorporation of bFGF-impregnated gelatin microspheres significantly prolonged in vivo retention of bFGF in the artificial dermis. Artificial dermis with incorporated bFGF-impregnated gelatin microspheres or bFGF in solution was implanted into full-thickness skin defects on the back of guinea pigs (1.5 cm x 1.5 cm) (n = 4). Incorporation of bFGF into the artificial dermis accelerated fibroblast proliferation and capillary formation in a dose-dependent manner. However, the accelerated effects were more significant with the incorporation of bFGF-impregnated gelatin microspheres than with free bFGF at doses of 50 microg or higher. We conclude that the gelatin microsphere is a promising tool to accelerate bFGF-induced tissue regeneration in artificial dermis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Capillaries / drug effects
  • Capillaries / physiology
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Female
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / administration & dosage
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gelatin
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microspheres
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects*
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Regeneration / drug effects
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / physiology*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Gelatin