Efficacy of the dual controlled release of HGF and bFGF impregnated with a collagen/gelatin scaffold.

We previously developed collagen/gelatin sponges (CGS) able to sustain and release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and reported that this CGS impregnated with bFGF promoted dermis-like tissue formation. We herein confirmed the single-sustained release of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the dual sustained release of HGF and bFGF from CGSs, and explored its efficacy using a murine model of skin defects. The sustained release of HGF alone and both HGF and bFGF from CGSs were evaluated in vitro. CGSs (8 mm in diameter) impregnated with normal saline solution (NSS) (NSS group), HGF solution (10 or 50 μg/cm The single release of HGF and the dual release of HGF and bFGF from CGSs were confirmed. At week 1, the wound closure and neoepithelium length were promoted in the HGF-L group compared with the NSS group. At week 2, the wound closure, neoepithelium length, dermis-like tissue formation and newly formed capillary formation were promoted in the bFGF and HGF + bFGF groups compared with the NSS and HGF-H groups. Newly formed capillary formation was superior in the HGF + bFGF group compared with the bFGF group. The dual release of HGF and bFGF from CGS was a promising treatment for full-thickness skin defects.