Paul D. Dale1, Luke Olsen1, Philip K. Maini1 and Jonathan A. Sherratt2
1Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, U.K.
2Nonlinear Systems Laboratory, Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, U.K.
(Received October 30, 1995; Accepted December 20, 1995)
Keywords: Cornea, Growth Factors, Scar Tissue, Fibrocontractive Diseases
Abstract. We illustrate the role of travelling waves in wound healing by considering three different cases. Firstly, we review a model for surface wound healing in the cornea and focus on the speed of healing as a function of the application of growth factors. Secondly, we present a model for scar tissue formation in deep wounds and focus on the role of key chemicals in determining the quality of healing. Thirdly, we propose a model for excessive healing disorders and investigate how abnormal healing may be controlled.