Exosome-Loaded GelMA Hydrogel as a Cell-Free Therapeutic Strategy for Hypertrophic Scar Inhibition.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Purpose Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibrotic proliferative disorder that arises from an abnormal wound healing process. It is a significant clinical challenge, primarily characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and abnormal angiogenesis. This study introduces a novel injectable hydrogel system that integrates sustained-release Exosomes for targeted hypertrophic scar modulation. Exosomes (Exos) from adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are emerging as promising treatment for hypertrophic scar inhibition. But when treated independently, it must be applied regularly multiple times to maintain its optimal concentration. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel is an ideal biomaterial candidate for engineering skin tissues because of its similarity to ECM, and importantly GelMA hydrogel can maintain drug concentrations via the encapsulation and sustained release of it, which enhances the potential of clinical applications. Methods The Exosome-Loaded GelMA Hydrogel (Exos-GelMA) hydrogel was fabricated and characterized for its pore size and biocompatibility. A rabbit ear HS model was established. Three skin defects on each ear were treated with GelMA hydrogel, Exos-GelMA hydrogel, or left untreated as a blank group. The effects of HS inhibition were assessed through Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical st

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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