Three-Dimensional Printing in Trichology: A Narrative Mini-Review - Where Are We Now?

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine
• Bioprinting Technologies
• Trichology Research

Background:

• Alopecia is a widespread condition with limited traditional treatment options.
• Emerging bioengineering strategies, including 3D bioprinting, aim to address these limitations.
• 3D bioprinting seeks to create functional hair follicles de novo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the materials, processes, applications, and limitations of 3D bioprinting in trichology.
• To explore the use of synthetic and natural polymers in bioinks for hair follicle bioprinting.
• To discuss the potential of 3D bioprinting for treating alopecia and other applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on 3D bioprinting for hair follicle regeneration.
• Identification of polymers used in bioink formulations.
• Analysis of cell layering techniques for creating dermal and epidermal structures.
• Exploration of applications in androgenetic alopecia and wound healing.

Main Results:

• Various synthetic and natural polymers are utilized as bioinks for 3D bioprinting hair follicles.
• The process involves layering cell populations, primarily dermal papilla cells, to construct hair follicle structures.
• Potential applications include treating androgenetic alopecia, wound healing, surgical templating, and reducing animal testing.
• Current limitations include high maintenance costs, balancing cell viability with printability, and lack of human clinical application.

Conclusions:

• 3D bioprinting is a promising preclinical strategy for alopecia treatment.
• The technology offers versatility for personalized medicine, surgical guidance, and research.
• Further optimization of bioinks and cost reduction are necessary for clinical translation.