Carboxymethyl Chitosan Microspheres Structurally Reinforce Silk Fibroin Hydrogels for Integrated Aesthetic and Functional Soft Tissue Repair

The study presents a novel hydrogel (SFCC) that integrates zinc crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan microspheres with a silk fibroin network to enhance soft tissue repair. This hydrogel exhibits improved mechanical strength, antioxidant capacity, and angiogenic properties. In animal models, SFCC promoted hair follicle regeneration, increased cellular proliferation, and improved healing by modulating macrophage polarization and enhancing fibronectin expression. The SFCC hydrogel demonstrates significant potential for advancing therapies in aesthetic and functional soft tissue reconstruction.