Growth Factor Applications in Wound Healing

Growth factors are signalling proteins that orchestrate the complex sequence of cellular events required for effective tissue repair, including inflammation resolution, cell migration, proliferation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Endogenous factors such as epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor regulate angiogenesis and matrix deposition at the wound site. However, clinical efficacy of exogenously applied factors has historically been limited by rapid degradation, diffusion away from the injury and unfavourable wound microenvironments. Recent innovations centre on advanced delivery platforms—such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, cryogels and extracellular matrix–based scaffolds—that protect growth factors from proteolysis, allow sustained or sequential release and support cell attachment. By combining structural support with temporal control of bioactive cues, these systems have demonstrated accelerated healing, reduced scarring and improved tissue architecture in both acute and chronic wounds. Such approaches hold global significance for managing chronic ulcers, diabetic wounds and surgical incisions, offering the prospect of more effective, resource-efficient therapies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have exploited multifunctional extracellular matrix components and engineered scaffolds to enhance growth factor retention and efficacy. One approach uses laminin heparin-binding domains covalently integrated into fibrin matrices to sequester vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, improving local retention under diabetic conditions and markedly accelerating tissue regeneration in vivo. Another strategy employs a heparin-conjugated, polyethylene glycol-cross-linked chitosan scaffold that electrostatically binds basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, enabling sustained release over seven days. This scaffold promotes keratinocyte proliferation, neovascularisation and organised collagen deposition, thereby reducing the frequency of dressing changes while enhancing repair quality.

Growth Factor Applications in Wound Healing publication trend

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

Technical terms

Growth factor: A signalling protein that regulates cell proliferation, migration and differentiation during tissue repair.

Extracellular matrix (ECM): A network of proteins and polysaccharides that provides structural and biochemical support to cells in tissues.

Nanoparticle: A microscopic delivery vehicle, often with a diameter below 200 nm, designed to protect and release therapeutic agents.

Hydrogel: A hydrophilic, cross-linked polymer network capable of absorbing large volumes of water and releasing bioactive molecules.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional structure that supports cell attachment and guides tissue regeneration by providing mechanical stability.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, essential for supplying nutrients to healing tissue.

References

1. Secured delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor using human serum albumin-based protein nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing and regeneration. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2023).
2. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretomes-enriched alginate/ extracellular matrix hydrogel patch accelerates skin wound healing. Biomaterials Research (2023).
3. Laminin heparin-binding peptides bind to several growth factors and enhance diabetic wound healing. Nature Communications (2018).
4. PEG grafted chitosan scaffold for dual growth factor delivery for enhanced wound healing. Scientific Reports (2019).
5. Sequential Delivery of Cryogel Released Growth Factors and Cytokines Accelerates Wound Healing and Improves Tissue Regeneration. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2020).