Skin organoid platform for evaluating hair and scalp aging interventions
A cutting-edge platform leveraging skin organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to simulate hair follicle aging, enabling the evaluation of anti-aging effects of botanicals and pharmaceuticals.
Overview
The University of Queensland has developed an innovative platform utilizing skin organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to model hair follicle aging and cellular senescence. This technology offers a sophisticated in vitro model to assess the anti-aging effects of various botanicals and pharmaceutical compounds. By simulating key biomarkers of aging, such as mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and cellular senescence, this platform aims to identify interventions that address hair follicle miniaturization and promote healthy hair growth.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Organoid generation: Robust protocol for creating skin organoids from hiPSCs, incorporating pigmented hair follicles, sebaceous, and sweat glands.
- Biomarker assessment: Evaluation of mitochondrial health using MTT and JC-1 assays, DNA damage via γ-H2AX, HSP-27, and SOD markers, and cellular senescence through p16INK4a and p21 gene expression.
- Advanced analysis: Application of quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis, targeting pathways such as WNT, SHH, and Nrf2.
- Protein examination: Use of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to investigate protein localization, including β-catenin.
Technology readiness level
This platform is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment and is ready for further testing with a diverse range of botanicals and pharmaceutical compounds.
About The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is a large, multi-campus public research university in Brisbane with a comprehensive academic and research profile. Industry partners engage through hospital-embedded laboratories and clinical sites, pilot testbeds, and field campuses across Queensland that enable prototyping, trials, and validation in real-world settings. Co-location with major health precincts and proximity to Brisbane’s innovation districts make collaboration and talent access straightforward, while on-campus incubation and professional education support workforce upskilling. Research is supported by competitive national funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside state and industry investment. A dedicated technology transfer office and commercialization company manage IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and spin-out formation.
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