Open and Closed Structure

The study developed three-dimensional dermal papilla spheroids (DPS) with or without a silk-gelatin microenvironment, which enhanced DP-specific gene expression and extracellular matrix production compared to monolayer cultures. The DPS model was tested for drug screening using minoxidil, showing increased expression of growth factors and ECM proteins. An in vitro 3D organoid model was also established, incorporating DPS, hair follicle keratinocytes, and stem cells, highlighting the importance of structural features and cell interactions similar to in vivo hair follicles. This model elucidated molecular mechanisms for cell proliferation and hair follicle marker expression, offering insights into hair follicle biology and potential for evaluating new drug efficacy.