Wound dressings as growth factor delivery platforms for chronic wound healing

Introduction: Years of tissue engineering research have clearly demonstrated the potential of integrating growth factors (GFs) into scaffolds for tissue regeneration, a concept that has recently been applied to wound dressings. The old concept of wound dressings that only take a passive role in wound healing has now been overtaken, and advanced dressings which can take an active part in wound healing, are of current research interest. Areas covered: In this review we will focus on the recent strategies for the delivery of GFs to wound sites with an emphasis on the different approaches used to achieve fine tuning of spatial and temporal concentrations to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Expert opinion: The use of GFs to accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation is now considered a feasible therapeutic approach in patients with a high risk of infections and complications. The integration of micro–and nanotechnologies into wound dressings could be the key to overcome the inherent instability of GFs and offer adequate control over the release rate. Many investigations have led to encouraging outcomes in various in vitro and in vivo wound models, and it is expected that some of these technologies will satisfy clinical needs and will enter commercialization.