Healing and Angiogenic Properties of Collagen/Chitosan Scaffolds Enriched with Hyperstable FGF2-STAB® Protein: In Vitro, Ex Ovo and In Vivo Comprehensive Evaluation

Wound healing is a process regulated by complex interaction of multiple growth factors including fibroblast factor 2 (FGF2). Although FGF2 appears in several tissue engineered studies, its applications are limited due to low stability both vitro and vivo. Here, this shortcoming overcome unique nine-point mutant the molecular weight isoform retaining full biological activity even after twenty days at 37 °C. Crosslinked freeze-dried 3D porous collagen/chitosan scaffolds enriched with hyper stable recombinant human protein named FGF2-STAB® were tested for biocompatibility cytotoxicity using murine 3T3-A31 fibroblasts, angiogenic potential an ex ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay wound vivo 3-month old white New Zealand rabbits. Metabolic assays indicated positive effect already very concentrations (0.01 µg/mL). The properties examined showed enhanced vascularization scaffolds. Histological evaluation gene expression analysis RT-qPCR proved newly formed granulation place previous skin defect without significant inflammation infiltration This work highlights safety developed crosslinked involving protein. Moreover, these sponges could be used as growing cells dermis replacement, where neovascularization crucial parameter successful regeneration.