Preclinical Model of Echinacea-Functionalized Silk Fibroin–Chitosan Transparent Membranes with Enhanced Hair Follicle Regeneration and Antibacterial Properties for Wound Healing

This study explores the development of Echinacea-functionalized silk fibroin–chitosan (ESC) transparent membranes for enhanced hair follicle regeneration and wound healing. In a preclinical model involving 68 male Kunming mice, the ESC membranes demonstrated superior wound healing, with almost complete healing and notable hair follicle formation by day 12. The membranes exhibited excellent biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and mechanical performance, significantly outperforming commercial alternatives. Echinacea's compounds promote fibroblast growth, inhibit bacterial growth, and reduce inflammation, contributing to faster healing and scarless recovery. These findings suggest that ESC membranes could be a cost-effective and efficient solution for advanced wound care, offering dual benefits of promoting hair growth and protecting against bacterial infections.