Melanocytes from the Outer Root Sheath of Human Hair and Epidermal Melanocytes Display Improved Melanotic Features in the Niche Provided by cGEL, Oligomer-Cross-Linked Gelatin-Based Hydrogel
July 2016
in “
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
”
New to collagen? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study found that a novel hydrogel scaffold, cGEL, significantly increased melanin production and melanotic gene expression in human melanocytes compared to other graft materials, suggesting its potential as a superior carrier for skin grafting.
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The study investigated the use of a hydrogel called cGEL as a potential carrier for human melanocytes derived from the outer root sheath of hair follicles (HUMORS) and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM) for non-invasive treatments of depigmented skin disorders. The cGEL, made from enzymatically degraded bovine gelatin and chemically cross-linked with specific oligomers, provided a supportive 3D environment that enhanced melanin production and the expression of melanotic genes (PAX3, PMEL, TYR, and MITF) compared to other materials like Collagen Cell Carrier® and polycaprolactone matrices. This suggests that cGEL could be a superior candidate for grafting carriers in skin transplantation procedures.
