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Updated: May 19, 2026

Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
Methods to Study Human Hair Follicle Growth Ex Vivo: Human Microdissected Hair Follicle and Human Full-Thickness Skin
Janin Edelkamp1, Marta Bertolini2
1QIMA Life Sciences, QIMA Monasterium GmbH, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
The culture of microdissected hair follicles (HFs) and scalp skin rich in terminal HFs are the best currently available preclinical assays for studying hair and skin biology/pathology in the human system. While microdissected HFs organ culture only allows the testing of test compounds into the culture medium, mimicking a systemic application, the scalp skin organ culture also is suitable to test topical and intradermal applications. Here, we describe different methods for isolation of human scalp HFs, the procedures for culturing the scalp skin and microdissected HFs, and we also outline different delivery techniques (e.g., topical, systemic) to test active and control substances.
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