Controllable mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) release by photo-encapsulation using azidophenyl chitosan derivative and its wound healing effect

Abstract

Photoreactive azidophenyl chitosan was synthesized and used to encapsulate mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF). Cytotoxicity assays were carried out and the release of the encapsulated mEGF was observed. As increasing the number of azidophenyl chitosan layers, relatively longer and gentler release was observed. The activity of encapsulated mEGF was examined by measuring 3T3 cell proliferation in the presence or absence of proteinase-K. The in vivo activity of encapsulated mEGF was also examined in rats. The UV light used for these experiments did not affect on the cell growth-enhancing property of mEGF, and encapsulated mEGF was more stable than free mEGF. In the wounds treated with photo-encapsulated mEGF showed the lower inflammation and the better regenerative effect than others. From the in vivo test, it is considered that photo-encapsulation of mEGF by azidophenyl chitosan could accelerate the initial stage of wound healing. Also, it would be expected to apply to current medical devices to upgrade.