Growth Factors in Wound Healing: The Science Behind Biologic Grafts

What Are Growth Factors?

Growth factors are natural proteins that help cells communicate and respond to injury. They send signals that tell cells when to grow, divide, or move, all of which are key steps in the healing process. The body makes many types of growth factors, each with its own role in wound repair.

Why Are Growth Factors Important in Healing?

When you get a cut or sore, growth factors help coordinate the body’s response. They:

Without enough growth factors, wounds may heal slowly or stop healing altogether. This is a common problem in chronic wounds.

How Biologic Grafts Use Growth Factors

Biologic grafts made from human tissue, such as amniotic membrane, often preserve natural growth factors. These proteins are not added— they are part of the original tissue and remain during processing.

When placed on a wound, these grafts may help create a more balanced healing environment. They do not act like medicine, but they offer support by: These biologic dressings can contribute to wound healing support in several ways:

Types of Growth Factors Found in Grafts

Some of the growth factors that may be found in amniotic or other biologic grafts include:

These proteins are naturally present and preserved during careful processing of the tissue.

What This Means for Patients

If your healthcare provider uses a biologic graft on your wound, it may contain these natural growth factors. The graft is applied directly to the wound and may be part of a larger care plan. These products are used by trained providers based on the needs of each wound.

You can ask your provider about what type of graft is being used, how it works, and what to expect during treatment.

Summary

For more background, see the National Institutes of Health overview on wound healing phases and growth factor activity, and a review article on the role of amniotic membrane in chronic wound management.

Growth factors in wound healing play a key role in helping the body repair itself. Biologic grafts made from human tissue may preserve these helpful proteins and provide support in hard-to-heal wounds. While not a treatment by themselves, these grafts are one tool your provider might use to help wounds heal more effectively.