Preparation and characterisation of polyelectrolytic nanocomplexes for wound healing

In vivo, one of the key signals to induce cell migration is interaction between receptors on the cell surface and proteins in the surrounding extracellular matrix. In 1984 Pierschbacher and Ruoslathi discovered that the small peptide sequences interacting with the receptor also was able to induce a similar response as the whole protein. Cell migration is an important step in the process of wound healing in skin. The aim of this project is to prepare and characterise polymeric vectors for small peptides favouring cell migration. To develop vectors for this purpose, two oppositely charged biopolymers will be used, one catioinc, e.g. chitosan or its derivatives, and one anionic, e.g. a glycosaminoglycan. When mixing two oppositely charged polymers, polyelectrolytic complexes (PECs) are formed. The influence of different physico-chemical parameters, such as charge ratio (n+/n-), the presence of different salts along with other parameters will be investigated, as well as the size, form and stability of the complexes. Different approaches of incorporation of the peptide will be considered. Once the formulations are optimised the chosen particles will be tested in vitro for cytotoxicity on immortalised keratinocytes, which are often used for testing skin formulations.