Controlled Microtrauma Opens a Regenerative Window for Appendage-Bearing Skin Repair

The study explores the use of controlled microtrauma as a regenerative strategy for skin repair, focusing on the restoration of hair-bearing tissue. Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivers verteporfin and retinoic acid to promote follicle-regenerative signaling. Tested on rabbit ear and Bama miniature-pig wounds, the treatment accelerated wound closure, reduced scarring, and encouraged the formation of hair follicles. This approach suggests that microinjury can be used not only for delivery but also to create a repair niche that supports the regeneration of appendage-bearing skin. The findings provide cross-species evidence that this method can shift wound repair from fibrotic closure to skin restoration with hair follicles.