Stability, Characterization, Formulation, and Delivery System Development for Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1

This chapter has reviewed the multifunctional role that the TGF-β play with diverse proliferative and suppressive effects on many different cell types. The various in vitro and in vivo effects of TGF-β was discussed with emphasis on the therapeutic potential of this growth factor in areas such as wound healing and bone regeneration. The structure and properties of TGF-β were presented, followed by a more detailed description of the characterization and stabilization of TGF-β1) in both the liquid and lyophilized state. The chapter concluded with a review of some of the different controlled release systems that have been utilized for the delivery of TGF-β1 to various preclinical models. Clearly the therapeutic potential for TGF-β1) is great. Both the formulation and delivery of this growth factor will play an important role in its eventual clinical success