Force-Triggered Density Gradient Sedimentation and Cocktail Enzyme Digestion Treatment for Isolation of Single Dermal Papilla Cells from Follicular Unit Extraction Harvesting Human Hair Follicles

The study explored two methods, force-triggered density gradient sedimentation (FDGS) and cocktail enzyme digestion treatment (CEDT), to efficiently isolate dermal papilla cells (DPCs) from human hair follicles. These methods successfully obtained purified, freshly isolated DPCs, maintaining their original characteristics better than traditional methods. The optimal concentration for the FDGS method was identified as 10% Ficoll PM400. The expression profiles of DPCs isolated using these new methods were similar to those of traditionally isolated DPCs, but with significantly higher levels of DP-specific markers. These improved protocols enhance the research potential of DPCs by providing a more efficient isolation process.