Accelerated Wound Healing Sustained Release Nanoparticles
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a sustained-release wound healing therapy that can deliver TGF-β3 (Transforming Growth Factor) via nanoparticles at surgical sites, aiming to promote regenerative tissue repair, enhance tensile strength, and reduce post-operative scarring in soft tissues.
Description
Surgical wound healing in soft tissues (e.g. fascia or cartilage) is often compromised by fibrosis and inadequate regeneration. Adult wounds predominantly heal with TGF-β1/β2-driven fibrosis, leading to scar formation that weakens the repaired tissue. Examples include abdominal trauma, such as incisional hernias, which remains a serious complication due to insufficient healing strength and can lead to poorer outcomes for patients. Cartilage injuries also heal poorly, as cartilage has limited intrinsic regenerative capacity. There is an unmet need for therapies that enhance tissue regeneration and strength while minimizing scar tissue. Notably, TGF-β3 has been shown to attenuate collagen scarring and improve wound quality. Direct use of TGF-β3 is limited by its short half-life and instability (sensitive to temperature and pH), necessitating repeated dosing, which is costly, time consuming, and inefficient. A method to sustainably deliver TGF-β3 locally at the wound site could greatly improve healing outcomes.Applications
- Post-operative wound repair- Hernia Treatment
- Diabetic wound healing