In a groundbreaking development poised to revolutionize hypertrophic scar treatment, researchers have unveiled a novel, minimally invasive approach that could significantly enhance patient outcomes and reshape the regenerative medicine landscape. The study, led by Shengjie Jiang of the Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital and affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, introduces a functionalized microneedle (MN) patch designed to modulate the pathological microenvironment of hypertrophic scars (HS).
Hypertrophic scars, characterized by excessive fibrous hyperplasia, have long posed a challenge due to their high incidence and recurrence rates. Current treatments often fall short, largely because of an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms. Jiang and his team have identified a critical triad in HS pathology: elevated mitophagy, suppressed apoptosis, and excess inflammation. Targeting these factors, they developed a multifunctional MN patch that integrates curcumin-loaded extracellular vesicles (Cur@EV) derived from hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) and a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs).
The patch works synergistically to inhibit mitophagy, promote apoptosis, and modulate inflammation. “The homologous Cur@EV significantly induces HSFs apoptosis via mitophagy inhibition, reducing collagen deposition,” explains Jiang. Meanwhile, the dECM, referred to as UdECM, facilitates the M2 polarization of macrophages, aiding in the suppression of HSFs and promoting a regenerative environment.
The innovative approach was tested on a rabbit HS model, yielding remarkable results. The Cur@EV/UdECM-functionalized MN patches not only inhibited HS formation but also stimulated the formation of new hair follicles, highlighting the patch’s regenerative potential. This study, published in the journal *Interdisciplinary Materials* (translated to English as *Interdisciplinary Materials*), presents a novel strategy that could transform HS management and offer new avenues for regenerative medicine.
The implications of this research extend beyond clinical applications. The development of such targeted, multifunctional treatments could drive advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving patient quality of life. As Jiang notes, “Future research will focus on optimizing patch design for scalable production, assessing long-term safety and efficacy, and exploring its broader applicability.”
This study not only underscores the importance of understanding the pathological microenvironment but also demonstrates the power of integrating multiple therapeutic strategies into a single, minimally invasive device. As the field of regenerative medicine continues to evolve, such innovations could pave the way for more effective and personalized treatments, ultimately benefiting patients and reshaping the future of medical care.