Development and characterization of porous functionalized collagen scaffolds for delivery of FGF-2.

Aim. To develop the porous functionalized collagen scaffold for the delivery of FGF-2 and studying its properties in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Porous collagen scaffolds were prepared by freeze- drying collagen I solutions containing the polymer developed on the basis of cross-linked modified heparin. The scaffolds have been analyzed by SEM, AFM and SCLM. The angiogenic activity of these scaffolds loaded with FGF-2 was tested in a CAM assay. Results. The data obtained by SEM and SCLM analysis revealed that the scaffold mainly has a layered structure with pores forming a connection between the layers. The average pore size of the scaffolds varied from 76 to 150 μm. Scaffolds containing the polymer were able to incorporate human FGF-2. Proposed compositions promoted angiogenesis in CAM assay. Conclusions. The developed porous functionalized collagen scaffold incorporating FGF-2 can be used as a vehicle for the sustained delivery of the growth factor both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]