Abstract:
Bioengineered materials are widely utilized due to their biocompatibility and
degradability, as well as their moisturizing and antibacterial properties. One field of
their application in medicine is to treat wounds by promoting tissue regeneration
and improving wound healing. In addition to creating a physical and chemical barrier
against primary infection, the mechanical stability of the porous structure of biomaterials
provides an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like niche for cells. Growth factors (GFs) and
cytokines, which are secreted by the cells, are essential parts of the complex process
of tissue regeneration and wound healing. There are several clinically approved GFs
for topical administration and direct injections. However, the limited time of bioactivity
at the wound site often requires repeated drug administration that increases cost and
may cause adverse side effects. The tissue regeneration promoting factors incorporated
into the materials have significantly enhanced wound healing in comparison to bolus
drug treatment. Biomaterials protect the cargos from protease degradation and provide
sustainable drug delivery for an extended period of time. This prolonged drug bioactivity
lowered the dosage, eliminated the need for repeated administration, and decreased
the potential of undesirable side effects. In the following mini-review, recent advances in
the field of single and combinatorial delivery of GFs and cytokines for treating cutaneous
wound healing will be discussed.