Effects of epidermal growth factor dosage forms on dermal wound strength in mice

The effect of topically administered epidermal growth factor (EGF) dosage forms was investigated on skin wound healing in mice. Two EGF dosage forms were prepared containing 100 ng mL−1 EGF. The solution dosage form was prepared in 0·9% w/v NaCl. A bioadhesive gel form was prepared in 0·2% Carbopol 940 polymer. The two dosage forms were applied on the skin incision wounds of mice at the rate of 5 μL twice a day for 7 and 15 days. The wound tear strength was tested for skin wound healing at the 7th and 15th days of treatment and compared with controls. The results indicate that the wound tear strength of mice were significantly higher at the 15th day of treatment in the gel-treated group compared with the solution-treated mice and controls (P < 0·001).