Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world, and although there are various treatments to combat baldness, such as hair transplants, lotions and medications, none of them offer a permanent and natural solution. However, one new research could change the situation, thanks to the use of 3D bioprinting to create artificial hair follicles.
3D bioprinting is one technique that uses a 3D printer to deposit layers of biological materials, such as cells, proteins, and gels, to form three-dimensional tissue- or organ-like structures. This technology has already demonstrated its potential in various fields of regenerative medicine, such as creation of skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels.
Now, a team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the US went a step further, using 3D bioprinting to sprout hair follicle-like structures in lab-grown human skin tissue, with their study later published in the journal Science Advances.
3D bioprinting is a technology that allows you to create functional human tissues and organs using 3D printing. This technology has great potential for regenerative medicine and organ transplants, but it also presents several challenges that still need to be overcome. Some of these challenges are:
- the quality and availability of bioinks, or the biological materials used for printing. Bioinks must be compatible with cells, have good viscosity and strength, and maintain their functionality after printing. Furthermore, they must be easily available and produced in large quantities;
- resolution and printing speed, or the ability to create precise and complex structures in a short time. The printing resolution depends on the nozzle size, the quality of the bioink and the precision of the printer movement. The printing speed depends on the viscosity of the bioink, the printing temperature and the complexity of the structure. Higher resolution and print speed are needed to create larger, more detailed organs;
- vascularization and innervation, or the formation of blood vessels and nerves within the printed tissues and organs. These elements are essential for the nourishment, oxygenation and communication of cells, and for the functionality and survival of organs. However, the creation of complex and ramified vascular and neural networks is still a technical and biological challenge;
- safety and efficacy, that is, the guarantee that printed tissues and organs are safe for clinical use and have the same performance as natural organs. This requires rigorous evaluation and validation of bioprinting products, through in vitro, in vivo tests and on animal and human models. Furthermore, it requires compliance with quality standards and good manufacturing practices;
- regulation and ethics, or the definition of rules and principles that regulate the development and application of bioprinting. This involves addressing issues such as intellectual property, civil liability, informed consent, privacy, dignity, justice and solidarity. Furthermore, it involves considering the social, cultural and moral implications of bioprinting, especially when used for human enhancement purposes.
These are some of the main challenges that 3D bioprinting faces to become a mature and reliable technology in the field of medicine, despite this Research and innovation in this sector are rapidly growing and developingand it is expected that important progress and results will be seen in the coming years.
The process of 3D bioprinting of hair
The process behind 3D bioprinting of hair begins with growing samples of skin and follicle cells in a laboratory, which are then mixed with special proteins and other materials to create a so-called “bio-ink”, this substance is then inserted into lab-grown skin using an extremely thin needle that builds the structure layer by layer, just like any form of 3D printing.
Eventually, the skin cells migrate to the channels surrounding the hair cells, creating hair follicle-like structures deeply embedded in the dermis layer of the skin, with these structures being capable of producing sebumthe natural fat that lubricates hair and skin, and of express hair follicle-specific genes.
At present, these artificial fabrics they only last two or three weekswhich is not enough for the development of hair strands, despite this considering the challenges previously faced in this field, the team is satisfied with the progress made.
“Reconstructing hair follicles using human-derived cells has historically been challenging. Some studies have shown that if these cells are grown in a three-dimensional environment, they can potentially give rise to new hair follicles or hair shafts, and our study builds on this work.”
said Dr. Pankaj Karande, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and lead author of the studywho then added:
“Our work is a proof of concept that hair follicle structures can be created in a highly precise and reproducible way using 3D bioprinting. This type of automated process is necessary to make future leather bioproduction possible.”
Although at first glance, 3D bioprinting might seem like a remedy for hair loss, aesthetic concerns are not the main reason why this biotechnology is being developed, the goal is instead to develop lab-grown skin that acts just like natural human skin.
Not only does hair give your skin a more natural look, but follicles are crucial spots in your skin that produce sweat, help regulate body temperature, and contain stem cells that aid healing. Hair follicles are also important for the absorption of topical medications and cosmetics, which means their presence is important for lab-grown skin used in drug testing.
That said, other researchers are currently looking into the possibility of using 3D bioprinting for future hair loss treatmentsfor example, a team from Columbia University recently demonstrated that it can create functioning human hair follicles from induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be obtained from any source of adult cells, such as skin or blood. These follicles were then successfully transplanted into bald mice, where they produced human hair.
These studies pave the way for new possibilities for hair regeneration and skin care, exploiting the potential of 3D bioprinting and stem cells. While there are still many challenges to overcome, such as safety, efficacy and scalability, research in this field is promising and could lead to innovative solutions for millions of people suffering from baldness or other skin conditions.
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