Skin-on-a-chip strategies for human hair follicle regeneration

Abstract

The number of hair loss patients increases every year, and hair loss treatment has several limitations, so research on hair is attracting attention recently. However, most current hair follicle research models are limited by their inability to replicate several key functions of the hair follicle microenvironment. To complement this, an in vitro culture system similar to the in vivo environment must be constructed. It is necessary to develop a hair-on-a-chip that implements a fully functional hair follicle model by reproducing the main characteristics of hair follicle morphogenesis and cycle. In this review, we summarize the gradation of hair follicle morphogenesis and the roles and mechanisms of molecular signals involved in the hair follicle cycle. In addition, we discuss research results of various in vitro organoid products and organ-on-a-chip–based hair follicle tissue chips for the treatment of alopecia and present future research and development directions.