Amine-Functionalized Chitosan/DECM Composite Promotes Cutaneous Regeneration and Hair Follicle Activation by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

December 2025 in “ Advanced Healthcare Materials ”

Jimmy J.H. Kang, Dong‐Hwee Kim, Su Hee Kim

amine-activated carboxymethyl chitosan decellularized extracellular matrix oxidative stress inflammation reactive oxygen species collagen fibronectin extracellular matrix remodeling epidermal repair hair follicle regeneration UVB-induced scalp injury immune regulation ECM support aaCMC h-dECM ROS

TLDR The composite helps hair growth and scalp healing by reducing stress and inflammation.

The study presents a novel topical composite made of amine-activated carboxymethyl chitosan (aaCMC) and hydrolyzed decellularized extracellular matrix (h-dECM) that addresses hair loss associated with inflammatory scalp conditions by targeting oxidative stress and immune-related damage. The composite demonstrated antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and suppressed inflammation in vitro. It also promoted extracellular matrix remodeling by upregulating collagen and fibronectin expression. In a UVB-induced scalp injury mouse model, the composite accelerated epidermal repair and hair follicle regeneration more effectively than minoxidil. These findings suggest that the aaCMC + h-dECM composite could serve as a multi-functional therapeutic alternative to conventional treatments for inflammatory hair loss by restoring scalp homeostasis through ROS modulation, immune regulation, and ECM support.

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