Heparan sulfate analogue

[1] They can be constituted with a backbone of polysaccharides, such as poly glucose or glucuronates[2] or a polyester such as co polymers of lactic or malic acid[3] to which sulfates, sulfonate or carboxyl groups are added in controlled amounts and location.

Heparan sulfates can sequester growth factors (GFs) and cytokines in the extracellular matrix (ECM) thereby protecting them from degradation.

[citation needed] Heparan sulfates bind to matrix proteins on specific sites called "heparan sulfate binding sites" on ECM macromolecules like collagen, fibronectin and laminin, to form a scaffold surrounding the cells and to protect ECM proteins and growth factors from proteolytic degradation by steric hindrance.

[1][4][5][6][8][10] This way RGTA can recreate a scaffold with the ECM proteins and will reposition GFs back into the matrix where they can re-unfold their natural action in wound repair.

By positioning and keeping them in place, in a reconstituted organization mimicking that of before the wound, the tissue can then use these different proteins properly and spatially displayed for inducing cell migration, proliferation and differentiation.

[12] After injury, the extracellular matrix, and thereby also the heparan sulfate is broken down by different local enzymes, produced by macrophages such as, heparanases, serine proteases and metalloproteinases (MMPs).

[1][5][6][8] Regenerative medicine is the "process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function.

[4] Even though several studies show that heparan sulfate analogues contribute to the wound healing, more research in the form of a Randomized controlled trial is needed to obtain conclusive evidence.