Effect of a dextran derivative associated with TGF-β1 or FGF-2 on dermal fibroblast behaviour in dermal equivalents

Dextran derivatives that mimic the action of heparin have been shown to protect heparinbinding growth factors, such as Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LS21 DMCBSu, a dextran derivative which contains methylcarboxylate, benzylamide and sulfate groups, both by itself and when combined with TGF-β1 and FGF-2, on the behaviour of fibroblasts. Two systems were assessed: a monolayer culture and three-dimensional collagenous matrices (dermal equivalent). Polymeric biomaterial LS21 DMCBSu and LS21 DMCBSu associated with either TGF-β1 or FGF-2, were added to the monolayer culture on day 3. After 7 days of culture the number of cells was determined. Two treatments were carried out on the dermal equivalents: 9 days of treatment from day 0 to day 9 of culture and 9 days of treatment from day 21 to day 30 of culture for the premature and the mature dermal equivalents respectively. In the monolayer culture, the bioactiv...