Development and characterization of porous functionalized collagen scaffolds for delivery of FGF-2

Aim. To develop the porous functionalized collagen scaffold for the delivery of FGF-2 and studying its properties in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Porous collagen scaffolds were prepared by freeze- drying collagen I solutions containing the polymer developed on the basis of cross-linked modified heparin. The scaffolds have been analyzed by SEM, AFM and SCLM. The angiogenic activity of these scaffolds loaded with FGF-2 was tested in a CAM assay. Results. The data obtained by SEM and SCLM analysis revealed that the scaffold mainly hasalayeredstructurewithporesformingaconnection between the layers. The average pore size of the scaffolds varied from 76 to 150 µm. Scaffolds containing the polymer were able to incorporate human FGF-2. Proposed compositions promoted angiogenesis in CAM assay. Conclusions. The developed porous functionalized collagen scaffold incorporating FGF-2 can be used as a vehicle for the sustained delivery of the growth factor both in vitro and in vivo.