3D-Printed degradable hair follicle hanging drop scaffolds integrated with tissue engineered skin promotes hair follicle regeneration in vitro

The study explores the use of 3D-printed degradable scaffolds made from sodium alginate/gelatin/alginate lyase hydrogel to promote hair follicle regeneration in vitro. These scaffolds, integrated with tissue-engineered skin, provide a supportive microenvironment for hair follicle development, showing high expression of hair follicle-specific markers like LIM homeobox 2 (LHX2) and cytokeratin 17 (CK17). The research highlights the potential of this novel approach to create artificial skin with appendages, addressing limitations of current tissue-engineered skin products, such as poor long-term viability and lack of appendages. This advancement could offer a promising therapeutic option for patients with skin defects.