Figure 7. METHODS OF GROWTH FACTOR INCORPORATION INTO PROTEINACEOUS MATRIX-BASED BIOMATERIALS.

Incorporation of growth factors into proteinaceous matrices (scaffolds) can be achieved via several mechanisms. (a) Rehydration of nonmodified matrices involves soaking of dry matrices in aqueous solutions of growth factors. (b) Growth factors can be genetically modified by addition of matrix-binding moieties (ie, collagen-binding domain of fibronectin) and then combined with unmodified scaffolds. On the other hand, (c) matrix itself can be altered with growth factor–binding molecules, such as heparin, thus increasing its affinity for growth factors.