3D Bioprinting Hair Follicles: From Lab Bench to Scalp
Discover how 3D bioprinting may soon create viable, transplantable follicles.
3D bioprinting technology has reached the frontier of regenerative dermatology. A 2025 paper in Nature Biotechnology demonstrated the first successful creation of full-thickness hair follicle structures using bio-inks laden with dermal and epithelial cells.
- Researchers printed follicular units with precise spatial orientation of dermal papilla and keratinocytes.
- 70% of bioprinted follicles grew terminal hairs in mouse models.
- Growth persisted for over 90 days without immune rejection.
- Future work aims to scale production for human transplantation trials.
3D bioprinting could solve the donor limitation crisis in hair transplantation. Instead of redistributing existing follicles, it allows for bioengineered regeneration, marking a paradigm shift from cosmetic to curative.
The technology is still in early-stage research and is years away from clinical use.
Citation & Review Team
Full Citation
Liang Y. et al., Nat Biotechnol, 2025.Review Team
Author: Student Editor
Fact-Checker: Dermatology Researcher
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.