The Autologous Hair Follicle and Its Secretome: A Multipotent Source for Cell-Based and Cell-Free Regenerative Therapies

Hair follicles (HFs) are highly accessible mini-organs that house diverse somatic and stem cell populations with broad therapeutic potential. In this study, we investigate the untapped utility of plucked HFs as a non-invasive tissue source for regenerative medicine. We demonstrate the successful isolation and expansion of keratinocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from plucked follicles using an enzyme-free explant culture method. HF-derived keratinocytes retained their epithelial identity and were efficiently reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These iPSCs were further directed toward definitive endoderm and pancreatic progenitor fates, confirming their robust autologous regenerative capacity. Flow cytometric analysis of HF-MSCs validated a characteristic mesenchymal profile, and these cells exhibited classical trilineage plasticity alongside the ability to differentiate into dopaminergic neural progenitors. Furthermore, proteomic and vesicular characterization of the autologous HF secretome (aHFS) revealed a rich enrichment of regenerative cytokines and exosomes. The aHFS demonstrated potent wound-healing bioactivity in vitro. Collectively, these findings establish the plucked hair follicle as a highly practical, scalable source for both cell-based and cell-free therapies, highlighting the clinical value of early-stage follicular biobanking for personalized medicine.