In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of a Collagen-Based Scaffold Carrying PLGA Microspheres for Sustained Release of Epidermal Growth Factor in Skin Regeneration

摘要

A collagen-based scaffold carrying poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MPs) delivery system has been developed for controlled release of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF). The aim of this study was to incorporate the rhEGF-loaded PLGA MPs into a collagen/ chitosan/ silk fibroin scaffold to prepare a novel MPs-scaffold hybrid system for drug delivery and skin tissue engineering application. The microstructure of the obtained scaffold was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and was found that there were uniformly distributed spherical MPs in the scaffold with an interconnected porous structure. The characteristics of the obtained scaffolds were evaluated in vitro, including swelling, degradation, cytotoxicity and drug release. These results showed that the scaffold could control release of rhEGF in vitro, as well as efficient water absorption and retention capacities. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility of the scaffold was established using fibroblast cells. Histological and morphological studies showed that implantation of the scaffolds in wounds created in rat skin induced progressive regeneration of skin tissue without signs of inflammation or infection 6 weeks after implantation. These results indicated that the as-prepared collagen-based scaffold has an immense potential in the field of skin tissue regeneration.