Potentiation effect of HB-EGF on facilitating wound healing via 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan nanoparticles modified PLGA scaffold

Abstract

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) is of extreme importance for accelerating wound healing; however, its effective and controlled release remains to be solved. In this study, 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan (26SCS), a highly sulfated polysaccharide, was utilized to fabricate delivery vehicles of HB-EGF encapsulated in PLGA nanofibers to achieve effective release. In addition, migration of Hacat cells was greatly promoted by 26SCS synergizing with HB-EGF released from the PLGA scaffold and proliferation was not affected. In a mouse excisional splinted model, a wound treated with HB-EGF loaded S-PLGA nanofibers was basically healed at 14 days. Conversely, wounds in other groups, including HB-EGF-loaded PLGA nanofibers, were not closured. The acceleration of wound healing was ascribed to the 26SCS-favored HB-EGF effect on the migration of keratinocyte which led to rapid re-epithelialization. Furthermore, neovascularization was also observed in the HB-EGF loaded S-PLGA nanofiber treated wound. These data strongly proved that S-PLGA nanofibers with incorporated HB-EGF may provide a promising way for rapid regeneration of the cutaneous wounds.