Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS

Researchers from the Department of Tissue Engineering IEM CAS have participated in the development of new biocompatible scaffolds, with a high potential for use in medicine

Published 07. 06. 2021

Wound healing is a complex regulated process in which various types of cytokines and growth factors are involved. These are most often substances of a proteinaceous nature produced by various cells of the body and affect some cellular processes, especially proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell viability. Such substances also include fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Although FGF2 appears in several tissue engineering studies, its applications are limited due to low stability when used in vitro / in vivo.
 
In a study of Healing and Angiogenic Properties of Collagen / Chitosan Scaffolds Enriched with Hyperstable FGF2-STAB® Protein: In Vitro, Ex Ovo and In Vivo Comprehensive Evaluation, researchers have succeeded in developing biocompatible composite scaffolds based on cross-linked collagen I and chitosan containing hyperstable growth factor FGF2-STAB®. Other teams of scientists from prestigious medical, university and biomedical workplaces in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom have also collaborated on developing the new medium. 
 
Besides biocompatibility and long-term stability, an angiogenic and stimulating effect on wound healing in a rabbit model has also been demonstrated. Tests of metabolic activity showed a positive effect of FGF2-STAB® even at very low concentrations (0.01 /g / ml). The angiogenic properties examined ex ovo showed increased vascularization of the tested scaffolds. Histological evaluation and analysis of gene expression by qPCR showed newly formed granulation tissue at the site of the previous skin defect without significant infiltration of inflammation in vivo. Published work has demonstrated the safety and biocompatibility of newly developed cross-linked collagen/chitosan scaffolds, including FGF2-STAB® protein.
 
Researchers expect that the newly developed scaffolds could be used to treat burns and other skin defects, where neovascularization is a crucial parameter for successful skin regeneration.
 
Further reading can be found in a recently published study in the journal Biomedicines (MDPI):

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