Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β): Natural Curing Agents for Repair

Abstract

There are various techniques to enhance tissue regeneration via the application of growth factors to the site of regeneration to induce cells to proliferate, differentiate and regenerate. Generally, direct application of growth factors has little effect [1] because the growth factor diffuses out from the site of regeneration very quickly. This is a problem that can be solved by a controlled release of growth factor at the site of action over a long period of time by use of a bioabsorbable scaffold. Growth factors are protein based molecules in the body which are produced by cells and attach to the cell surface. Growth factors bind to membrane receptors, which in turn activate an intracellular signalling pathway. This will activate or inhibit a gene causing either an up regulation or down regulation of a gene product, which then alters the cells behaviour.