Growth factors (GFs) are endogenous signaling proteins, that regulate cell migration, proliferation and differentiation in tissue regeneration. GFs’ concentrations in chronic wounds are pathologically reduced. This leads to a disruption of the healing process and makes chronic wounds treatment more complicated. There are drugs currently used in clinical practice, that contain GFs in a free form. However, their efficiency for chronic wounds treatment is limited, as GFs are quickly degraded in a proteolytic environment of chronic wounds. In order to overcome this limitation biocompatible molecular systems for targeted delivery and controlled release are proposed, such as: micro- and nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds. GFs roles in the healing process, chronic wounds pathophysiology and molecular systems for GFs targeted delivery and controlled release are reviewed.
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