Approaching Scarless Wound Healing: From Passive Anti-Fibrotic to Proactive and Programmable Pro-Regenerative...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Pathological scarring is a significant clinical challenge, stemming from dysregulated tissue repair.
• Understanding scarless regeneration in models like fetal tissue and spiny mice offers insights into perfect healing.
• Key factors in scarless regeneration include immune microenvironment regulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and precise cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze physiological wound healing and scar formation.
• To investigate mechanisms of scarless regeneration in specific animal and developmental models.
• To explore novel scar prevention strategies using tissue engineering materials.

Main Methods:

• Review of physiological wound healing and scar formation processes.
• Analysis of scarless regeneration models (e.g., early fetuses, Acomys cahirinus).
• Examination of tissue engineering approaches for scar prevention.

Main Results:

• Scarless regeneration relies on immune regulation, ECM dynamics, and cell behavior control.
• Tissue engineering offers multi-dimensional interventions for scar prevention.
• Emerging strategies involve biomimetic environments, cell fate regulation, and smart materials.

Conclusions:

• Shifting from anti-fibrosis to promoting regeneration is crucial for effective scar management.
• Interdisciplinary approaches integrating smart materials and advanced manufacturing hold promise.
• Guiding wounds toward structural and functional regeneration overcomes current limitations.