Innovative therapies in wound healing.

BACKGROUND

Apligraf is a bioengineered skin product composed of neonatal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The FDA has approved Apligraf for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers and diabetic ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

We review the development of bioengineered skin, examine the cellular activities of various growth factors that may facilitate wound healing, and discuss the results of clinical trials with a particular construct, Apligraf, as proof of principle.

CONCLUSION

Bioengineered skin acts as a "smart" delivery system for growth factors and other stimulatory substances. Not only does it present a novel treatment for chronic and diabetic ulcers, but it could also be considered for application to other types of acute wounds.