Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have achieved a breakthrough by 3D-printing hair follicles within lab-grown human skin tissue.
Using 3D-printing techniques at the cellular level, the researchers cultivate skin and follicle cells to create a “bio-ink.” This ink is deposited layer by layer, forming channels for hair cell deposition, mimicking natural skin structures.
Hair follicles, essential for skin healing and regulating body temperature, could revolutionize skin engineering, offering deeper insights into skincare interactions.
Although engineered tissues currently have a limited lifespan, the team envisions extending it for applications in drug testing and skin grafts, showcasing the potential for fully functional, 3D-printed skin with hair.