Multilayered Gel-Spotting Device for In Vitro Reconstruction of Hair Follicle-Like Microstructure

The study "Multilayered Gel-Spotting Device for In Vitro Reconstruction of Hair Follicle-like Microstructure" developed a new method for in vitro hair follicle regeneration using a three-dimensional culture model. This model uses a gel microconstruct with three layers containing cytokines, pluripotent stem cells, and fetus-derived epidermal cells. The cytokine FGF-2, mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and fetus-derived mouse epidermal cells were used in the core, middle, and outer layers respectively. The study found that cells cultured with FGF-2 formed aggregate-like structures and generated a dense extracellular matrix, indicating successful hair follicle-like structure formation. Hair follicle-like constructs were formed in 45% (9 out of 20) of the specimens in the layered culture of ESCs and epidermal cells with an FGF-2 gradient. However, the method did not regenerate hair roots and shafts in vitro for longer culture periods, indicating the need for further optimization of culture conditions and additional factors for complete in vitro hair regeneration.