Collagen-Gelatin Scaffold Impregnated with bFGF Accelerates Palatal Wound Healing of Palatal Mucosa in Dogs

Background. We have developed a collagen-gelatin sponge (CGS) as a scaffold capable of the sustained release of bFGF to improve the healing process of the existing collagen scaffold. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CGS impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in palatal wound healing in beagles. Materials and Methods. Four standardized 6mm diameter full-thickness wounds were made in the palate of each dog and covered with CGS impregnated with normal saline or bFGF at concentrations of 1 mg/cm 2, 7 mu g/cm(2) and 14 mu g/cm(2). One and 2 wk after surgery, the wound area, neoepithelium length, thickness, area of regenerated submucosal tissue, and the number and total area of neoformed capillaries were evaluated. Results. Two weeks after implantation, wounds treated with bFGF 7 mu g/cm(2) and 14 mu g/cm(2) were completely epithelized, while the length of the neoformed epithelium was significantly longer in the 7 mu g/cm(2) group. Groups impregnated with bFGF 7 mu g/cm(2) and 14 mu g/cm(2) showed promoted regeneration of submucosal tissue 2 wk later. The number and area of neoformed capillaries were significantly higher in the bFGF 7 mu g/cm(2) group than in other groups. We conclude that palatal wound healing in the bFGF 7 mu g/cm(2) group was promoted with good neovascularization and showed less contracture than other groups. Conclusions. Our new collagen-gelatin scaffold, CGS, impregnated with bFGF, could be a promising treatment to accelerate the regeneration of palatal mucosa. (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.