Fibroblast Growth Factor Applications in Wound Healing

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) represent a family of polypeptide mediators that orchestrate key phases of tissue repair, including cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling. Among these, basic FGF (FGF2) has been most extensively investigated for its capacity to accelerate re-epithelialisation, modulate inflammatory responses and reduce scar formation. By engaging specific FGF receptors on keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, FGF2 stimulates intracellular pathways that govern mitogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and neovascularisation. Practical applications have emerged in the form of biomaterial‐based delivery systems—hydrogels, sponges and scaffolds—that provide sustained release of FGF2 and protect its bioactivity in the challenging wound environment. Combined with advances in protein stabilisation, recombinant fusion technologies and stem‐cell engineering, FGF2 formulations are now under preclinical development for acute and chronic wounds, burns and hypertrophic scars. The global burden of non-healing wounds underscores the need for accessible and cost-effective FGF2 therapies that can be translated into clinical practice.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated mechanisms by which FGF2 enhances wound closure. One investigation demonstrated that topical FGF2 promotes EMT in wound-edge keratinocytes, leading to spindle-shaped cells with down-regulated E-cadherin and up-regulated vimentin, thereby accelerating re-epithelialisation when combined with TGFβ1 signalling. Another work engineered a visible-light-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel capable of conforming to irregular wound beds and releasing FGF2 over extended periods, resulting in improved skin flap survival and faster wound adherence in animal models. In parallel, a collagen-based hydrogel incorporating FGF2 and antimicrobial silver demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in burn wounds by activating ERK and TrkA pathways, enhancing granulation tissue formation and neovascularisation compared with standard dressings.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Applications in Wound Healing publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in fibroblast growth factor applications in wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF): Family of signalling proteins that regulate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis during tissue repair.

Basic FGF (bFGF or FGF2): A widely studied isoform of FGF involved in mitogenesis and wound healing.

Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): Process by which epithelial cells acquire motility and invasive properties.

Hydrogel: Hydrophilic polymer network that can retain water and serve as a delivery matrix for growth factors.

Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels essential for delivering nutrients and cells to a healing wound.

Scaffold: Three-dimensional structure designed to support cell attachment, proliferation and controlled factor release.

References

1. The Anti-Scar Effects of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on the Wound Repair In Vitro and In Vivo. PLOS ONE (2013).
2. Fibroblast growth factor 2 accelerates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in keratinocytes during wound healing process. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. Photocrosslinked gelatin hydrogel improves wound healing and skin flap survival by the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor. Scientific Reports (2021).
4. bFGF and collagen matrix hydrogel attenuates burn wound inflammation through activation of ERK and TRK pathway. Scientific Reports (2021).
5. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2—A Review of Stabilisation Approaches for Clinical Applications. Pharmaceutics (2020).
6. Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell-Sheets Sandwiched, Book-Shaped Acellular Dermal Matrix Capable of Sustained Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Promote Diabetic Wound Healing. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2021).
7. Cellular Mechanisms of FGF-Stimulated Tissue Repair. Cells (2021).