Dramatic promotion of wound healing using a recombinant human-like collagen and bFGF cross-linked hydrogel by transglutaminase

Abstract

The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in the wound repair process. However, lacking of better biomaterials to carry bFGF still is a challenge in skin repair and regeneration. In this study, the human-like collagen (HLC) cross-linked with transglutaminase (TG) to fabricate a HLC/TG hydrogel to load bFGF. The physical properties of hydrogel, such as interior structure, mechanical property, were characterized <i>in vitro</i> using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheometer. Then, the effects of the HLC/TG hydrogel on the bFGF and cell attachmentwere evaluated, and the results showed that the HLC/TG hydrogel has good biocompatibility towards bFGF and cells. Finally, skin wound healing test was performed for the evaluation of HLC/TG hydrogels with bFGF in a mouse model. All results of macroscopic and microscopic analysis indicated that not only our HLC/TG hydrogel provide a delivery of growth factors, but also the HLC/TG hydrogel with bFGF achieving better skin regeneration in the structure and function.