Role of growth factors and biomaterials in wound healing

Wound healing is a biological complex process that involves several cell types under the control and regulation of several growth factors and cytokines. There have been efforts to study the therapeutic effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-, vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor on chronic wounds. In addition, the effects of biomaterials such as nano-fibrous chitin and chitosan have been proven to be effective on wound healing. Furthermore, stem cell therapy using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been developed as a new therapeutic method for wound repair and healing. In this review, we will summarize the role of stem cells; growth factors and biomaterials in wound healing and repair.