Bioactive Chitosan–dECM Composite Shows Preclinical Promise for Inflammatory Hair Loss

A novel topical composite combining amine-activated carboxymethyl chitosan (aaCMC) and hydrolyzed decellularized extracellular matrix (h-dECM) demonstrated antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects in preclinical models of inflammatory scalp injury, according to new research published online inAdvanced Healthcare Materials.

The investigators developed the aaCMC + h-dECM formulation using a dual supercritical fluid system to improve solubility and skin penetration. The strategy was designed to address oxidative stress and immune-mediated tissue damage—pathways increasingly implicated in inflammatory alopecias but not directly targeted by currently FDA-approved hair growth agents.

In vitro experiments showed that the composite reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and suppressed p38 phosphorylation in human dermal papilla cells, suggesting inhibition of senescence-associated signaling pathways. In parallel, treatment attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and significantly increased collagen and fibronectin expression in human dermal fibroblasts, consistent with extracellular matrix remodeling.

In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a UVB-induced scalp injury mouse model. Topical application of aaCMC + h-dECM accelerated epidermal repair and promoted hair follicle regeneration. The regenerative outcomes were reported to be superior to those observed with minoxidil treatment in this model, although the authors noted that the findings were limited to preclinical settings.

Collectively, the results suggest that aaCMC + h-dECM functions as a multifunctional regenerative platform capable of restoring scalp homeostasis through coordinated modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and ECM support. 

“This strategy may provide a multi-functional therapeutic alternative to conventional monotherapies for inflammatory hair loss,” the authors concluded, while emphasizing the need for further translational and clinical evaluation.