Expression of a novel dual-functional protein - The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 fused with human acidic fibroblast growth factor in Escherichia coli

► A novel hybrid protein combining LL-37 with haFGF was designed for the first time. ► LL-37-haFGF with antibacterial activity was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. ► LL-37-haFGF was shown to be able to stimulate NIH 3T3 cells proliferation as haFGF. ► LL-37-haFGF displayed even improved antimicrobial activities compared with LL-37. ► The recombinant LL-37-haFGF may have important potential application in wound healing.