CONTROLLED RELEASE OF GROWTH FACTORS FROM HEPARIN CONTAININGMATRICES

摘要

Matrices that support cell adhesion and growth are disclosed that deliver lo w heparin-binding affinity growth factor protein peptides in a controlled manner. These matrices comprise covalently or non-covalently bound heparin o r heparin-like polymers, which serve to sequester the low heparin-binding affinity growth factor protein peptides within the matrix. The controlled release of some low heparin-binding affinity growth factor or peptides there of occurrs by degradation of some matrix component or dissociation of the low heparin-binding affinity growth factor protein peptides from the bound heparin. This differs from many controlled delivery devices in that release is not controlled solely by diffusion, and the rate of release may therefore be regulated by altering the rate of degradation of the matrix component or the amount of heparin bound within the matrix. The controlled release of such lo w heparin-binding affinity growth factor proteins such as NGF.beta., NT-3 and BDNF, is demonstrated. The invention also identifies basic domains that can be utilized to identify other low heparin-binding affinity growth factor protei n peptides useful in delivery as part of the matrices described herein.