The Effect of TGF-beta Delivered Through a Collagen Scaffold on Wound Healing

In this preliminary study, the wound healing response of full-thickness skin defects to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) incorporated in a collagen scaffold was evaluated. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the effects of TGF-beta on the cellular and tissue response and mechanical properties and (2) to determine the effects of a collagen scaffold on wound healing when compared to control. Three 3 x 3 cm, full-thickness defects were created on the dorsi of 15 New Zealand White rabbits. Each rabbit had a control (no treatment), collagen scaffold, and collagen scaffold with TGF-beta (2 microg/cm2). All the wounds were covered with a transparent polyurethane dressing. There were three periods of study (1, 2, and 3 weeks) with five rabbits in each period. The volume fraction of the tissue and cells was histomorphometrically determined for each wound. A greater inflammatory response was found in the collagen scaffold-treated group, but the fastest epithelialization and contraction rates were associated with TGF-beta and collagen. No significant differences in the mechanical strength between the different treatment groups were seen. Overall, TGF-beta delivered through a collagen scaffold enhanced the healing process and showed promise for future clinical applications.