Basement Membrane Matrix Promotes the Efficiency of Hair Follicle Reconstruction In Vivo and Is a Cell Delivery Vehicle for Follicle Regeneration

BACKGROUND The efficiency of hair follicle (HF) reconstruction is decreased by extensive apoptotic remodeling that occurs soon after grafting. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a basement membrane matrix (matrix) to improve the efficiency of HF reconstruction and serve as a cell delivery vehicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS Newborn mouse skin cells were suspended in a matrix and transplanted in a chamber assay. The viability and proliferation of mouse dermal papilla cells seeded in the matrix were tested. Dermal papilla cells and epidermal cells seeded in matrix sheets were grafted into nude mice to observe hair formation. RESULTS The matrix significantly shortened the time to hair formation. The first hair shafts appeared within the matrix at 17.67 +/- 1.21 days versus 23.00 +/- 1.41 days for Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium controls. There was a significant difference (p<.05) in the number of newly formed hairs in areas of reconstructed skin with the matrix (100 mL) grafts (323 +/- 12) versus controls (276 +/- 11). Dermal papilla cells were successfully cultured in the matrix, and hair formation was dense when the matrix was used as a cell delivery vehicle for follicle reconstruction. CONCLUSION The matrix improved the efficiency of HF reconstruction and was a suitable delivery vehicle of cells for HF engineering.