3D dermal papilla and keratinocyte spheroid models for in-vitro drug screening

Overview

This solution offers a 3D co-culture spheroid model that replicates the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions critical to hair follicle biology. By producing core-shell heterotypic spheroids of dermal papilla (DP) cells and keratinocytes in microarray hydrogels, the platform enables in-vitro testing of compounds relevant to androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and related hair follicle disorders. The model addresses a key gap in dermatological research by providing a scalable, controllable system for studying paracrine signaling between cell types that govern hair follicle cycling and morphogenesis.

The platform is designed to support pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry partners seeking reliable preclinical screening tools for hair growth-promoting and hair-loss-preventing compounds. By reducing reliance on animal testing and enabling high-throughput evaluation, the technology can accelerate candidate selection and reduce development costs.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Core-shell spheroid architecture produced by sequential seeding of dissociated human DP cells and keratinocytes into microarray hydrogels
• Microarray fabrication using soft photolithography and 3D printing methods for controlled spheroid size and reproducibility
• Evaluation of compound effects through expression profiling of hair follicle-related keratins, including Trichohyalin (AE15), Keratin 6 (K6), Keratin 14 (K14), and Keratin 71 (K71)
• Validated response to Minoxidil at 250 µM, demonstrating upregulation of Trichohyalin in heterotypic spheroids
• Compatibility with testing both hair growth-promoting agents (such as Minoxidil) and androgenic compounds (such as DHT) that influence hair follicle protein expression
• Cell viability and Western blotting workflows integrated for monitoring spheroid growth and marker expression
• Potential for high-throughput screening through consistent organoid production in array format

Technology readiness level

The core-shell spheroid configuration and Minoxidil response have been experimentally validated in prior studies, confirming the feasibility of the co-culture approach. Current efforts focus on scaling production through 3D-printed microarray hydrogels, expanding marker analysis to compare 2D and 3D culture behavior, validating the system with additional pharmaceutical active ingredients, and assessing consistency for high-throughput screening applications. The platform is positioned at an early-to-mid technology readiness stage, suitable for collaborative refinement and pilot validation with industry partners.