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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
Chirality-Dependent Supramolecular Biomaterials Remodeling of Scar Microenvironment via Integrin-Mediated Regulation
Xueqian Wang1,2, Chengyao Han2, Hongrui Shan3
1State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Hypertrophic scars, characterized by excessive fibroblast activation, present significant clinical challenges. Current treatments (e.g., laser, surgery, steroids) face limitations: Surgery is costly and associated with high recurrence rates, while pharmacological interventions often induce pain and exhibit low bioavailability or efficacy. To address this, we engineered a novel chiral supramolecular biomaterial derived from L-/D-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine (L/DP) with well-defined nanostructure and optical activity. L/DP achieved biomimetic integration and stereoselective regulating of integrin β1 (ITGβ1) in scar tissue. In vitro, LP suppressed fibroblast proliferation by downregulating ITGβ1 (72%), inhibiting FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling and TGF-β1. In vivo (rabbit ear HS model), LP reduced scar thickness (54%), collagen deposition (39%), and α-SMA expression (45%), outperforming conventional drugs by 23%. This chirality-directed strategy provides a drug-free, painless, and highly effective HS therapy via integrin-mediated remodeling of the scar microenvironment and holds substantial clinical promise.
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