Regeneration of uterine horns in rats by collagen scaffolds loaded with collagen-binding human basic fibroblast growth factor

Severe damages of uterine endometrium which prevent embryos from implantation and placentation finally often result in infertility or pregnant complications. There is lack of effective treatments due to the limitation of native materials available and complexity of the function and internal environment of uterus. In the present study, a collagen targeting basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivery system was constructed by a collagen membrane loaded with bFGF fused a collagen-binding domain (CBD) to the N-terminal which limits the diffusion of bFGF from collagen. We tested the bFGF delivery system in rats under the severe uterine damage model (partial rat uterine horn excision/reconstruction), and found this delivery system improved regeneration abilities of uterine endometrium and muscular cells, improved vascularization, as well as better pregnancy outcomes in rats. Therefore, this targeting delivery system may be an effective strategy for uterine tissue regeneration.