Preparation of Foam Dressings Based on Gelatin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Carboxymethyl Chitosan Containing Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 for Dermal Regeneration

Wound recovery close to the function of the native skin is the goal of wound healing. In this study, we prepared foam dressings (FDs; 2-GHC-FD-1-9, 5-GHC-FD-1-9, and 10-GHC-FD-1-9) composed of various concentrations of gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethyl chitosan, which are chemically interconnected through amide bond formation, for evaluating wound healing. Tensile and cell proliferation tests showed that 2-GHC-FD-1-9 are suitable for wound dressing. For further evaluation, three types of FDs, 2-GHC-FD-1, 2-GHC-FD-4, and 2-GHC-FD-8 were chosen. The results of animal intradermal reactivity, water vapor transmission rate, and absorption rate of the three FDs indicated that 2-GHC-FD-8 is the most appropriate scaffold for wound healing. For wound healing acceleration, various concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) was soaked in 2-GHC-FD-8 (2-GHC-FD-8/F1-6) and evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy, cell proliferation, release behavior, and in vivo animal tests. The FDs showed interconnected porous structures, increased cell proliferation until 8.0 x 10(-11) M, controlled release with initial burst within 1 h, and sustained release for 48 h. The results of the animal test showed an appropriate concentration of FGF-7 for wound healing. In addition, 2-GHC-FD-8 is a suitable scaffold for wound healing. Therefore, we suggest that 2-GHC-FD-8/F3 is a useful wound dressing for accelerating wound healing.

Automated summary

The study focused on preparing foam dressings with various compositions to promote wound healing close to the function of native skin. Results showed that 2-GHC-FD-8/F3 is a useful dressing for accelerating wound healing through interconnected porous structures and controlled release of fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7).