Chitosan-hyaluronic acid/VEGF loaded fibrin nanoparticles composite sponges for enhancing angiogenesis in wounds.

Reduced levels of endogenous growth factors and diminished angiogenesis are contributory factors for impaired wound healing in diabetic patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent angiogenic growth factor which stimulates multiple phases of wound healing angiogenesis and thereby accelerates healing. The aim of this work was to develop chitosan-hyaluronic acid composite sponge incorporated with fibrin nanoparticles loaded with VEGF as a wound dressing for diabetic wounds. VEGF loaded fibrin nanoparticles (150-180 nm) were prepared and characterized which were then incorporated to the composite sponge. The prepared sponges were characterized by SEM and FT-IR. Porosity, swelling, biodegradation, mechanical properties and haemostatic potential of the sponges were also studied. Release of VEGF from the composite sponges was evaluated using ELISA kit. More than 60% of the loaded VEGF was released in three days. Cell viability and attachment studies of the composite sponges were evaluated using human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs seeded on VEGF containing sponges showed capillary like tube formation which was absent in control sponges. The results suggest that the prepared chitosan-hyaluronic acid/VEGF loaded nanofibrin composite sponges (CHVFS) have potential to induce angiogenesis in wound healing.