Advancing Protein-Based Biomaterials for Enhanced Wound Healing and Angiogenesis

Advancing Protein-Based Biomaterials for Enhanced Wound Healing and Angiogenesis

Abstract

The skin acts as a frontline defense, shielding the body from harmful microorganisms and environmental toxins. Biomaterials designed to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) offer promissing strategies to accelerate tissue regeneration by modulating cellular behavior and ECM remodeling. This study investigates collagen-based 3D porous scaffolds prepared by a freeze-drying method, modified with additional biopolymers and chemically crosslinked using carbodiimide reagents to enhance mechanical and hydrolytic stability as well as bioactivity. To address the vascularization challenges in chronic wounds, different concentrations of a pro-angiogenic bioactive substance were incorporated into the scaffolds, aiming to stimulate neovascularization and improve healing outcomes. Scaffold morphology and pore structure were characterized via scanning electron microscopy. The release profile of the bioactive compound was analyzed using UV-VIS spectroscopy. Biocompatibility was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity tests on fibroblast cultures, and angiogenic potential was further assessed in ovo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. This comprehensive approach not only emphasizes the potential of protein-based biomaterials in wound healing but also highlights the importance of tailored scaffold design for promoting effective tissue regeneration. This work was supported by the CEITEC BUT Specific Research project no. CEITEC VUT-J-25-8891, by the European Fund for Regional Development within project no. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004562 and by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic under project No. NU22-08–00454 as well.

The skin acts as a frontline defense, shielding the body from harmful microorganisms and environmental toxins. Biomaterials designed to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) offer promissing strategies to accelerate tissue regeneration by modulating cellular behavior and ECM remodeling. This study investigates collagen-based 3D porous scaffolds prepared by a freeze-drying method, modified with additional biopolymers and chemically crosslinked using carbodiimide reagents to enhance mechanical and hydrolytic stability as well as bioactivity. To address the vascularization challenges in chronic wounds, different concentrations of a pro-angiogenic bioactive substance were incorporated into the scaffolds, aiming to stimulate neovascularization and improve healing outcomes. Scaffold morphology and pore structure were characterized via scanning electron microscopy. The release profile of the bioactive compound was analyzed using UV-VIS spectroscopy. Biocompatibility was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity tests on fibroblast cultures, and angiogenic potential was further assessed in ovo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. This comprehensive approach not only emphasizes the potential of protein-based biomaterials in wound healing but also highlights the importance of tailored scaffold design for promoting effective tissue regeneration. This work was supported by the CEITEC BUT Specific Research project no. CEITEC VUT-J-25-8891, by the European Fund for Regional Development within project no. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004562 and by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic under project No. NU22-08–00454 as well.

Regenerative medicine, angiogenesis, wound healing, collagen-based scaffolds, release, skin replacement

Regenerative medicine, angiogenesis, wound healing, collagen-based scaffolds, release, skin replacement

IZSÁK, D.; PAVLIŇÁKOVÁ, V.; DINPARVAR, S.; KOLÍSKOVÁ, P.; BUCHTOVÁ, M.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

17.08.2025

Materials Research Society of Serbia

Belgrade

978-86-919111-8-8

THE TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON MATERIAL SCIENCE YUCOMAT 2025 Program and Book of Abstracts

45

45

142

https://www.mrs-serbia.org.rs/index.php/book-of-abstracts-2025