Delivery systems for growth factors and cytokines in the treatment of chronic skin wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds are characterized by a wide prevalence, high mortality rate, complex and expensive treatment. Characteristic features of non-healing wounds are prolonged inflammation, dysfunction of immune cell regulation, and imbalance in the secretion of growth factors and cytokines. All this leads to impaired healing processes and restoration of skin functions. Current research demonstrates the importance of studying the influence of growth factors and cytokines on the process of repair of chronic skin wounds, and the importance of developing ways to use integrated therapies to deliver bioactive substances to injury site. Different types of encapsulating forms represent a promising and effective system for the delivery of drugs that have a stimulating effect on the wound healing process. Hydrogels provide controlled release and protect bioactive molecules from protease degradation. This review examines the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of chronic skin wounds and their interactions with cytokines and growth factors in the reparative process of chronic skin injuries. The review article evaluates modern approaches to the use of various biomaterials for the delivery of cytokines, which, on the one hand, ensures their retention, stabilization and protection from degradation, and on the other hand, promotes the closure and healing of the wound surface.