Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a representative growth factor which has shown the potential effects on the repair and regeneration of tissues [
2–
6]. It was originally identified as a protein capable of promoting fibroblast proliferation and is now known to comprise 22 members. FGFs exert multiple functions through the binding into and activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and the main signaling through the stimulation of FGFRs is the RAS/MAP kinase pathway. With their potential biological functions, FGFs have been utilized for the regeneration of damaged tissues, including skin, blood vessel, muscle, adipose, tendon/ligament, cartilage, bone, tooth, and nerve. Then, the prospective source of FGF for the tissue regeneration is used with recombinant human FGF family. In fact, many previous studies administered the FGFs directly to the wound sites, like other growth factors. However, free-FGFs are readily degradable
in vivo, leading to loss of biological activity and functions [
7–
9]. To gain satisfactory performance, FGFs are adsorbed onto or encapsulated within materials to secure biological activity in a sustained and controllable manner. Although many types of materials have been developed to carry FGFs and elicit their therapeutic efficacy
in vitro and
in vivo, more sustained, controlled, and targeted delivering system still remain a challenge.
Here, we review the cellular biology of FGFs and their functions in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis and address the current development of biomaterials-based delivery systems of FGFs and their applications for tissue regeneration, including skin, blood vessel, muscle, adipose, tendon/ligament, cartilage, bone, tooth, and nerve.
