Localization of Isolation and Storage of Cells from Human Hair Follicle Bulge for Preparing a Cell Suspension in the Treatment of Acute Burn Injuries of the Anterior Eye Surface

The use of regenerative sciences has been a focus for several decades, particularly in the areas of cell therapy, drug toxicity testing, and disease modeling. These fields have provided numerous benefits, including reduced reliance on chemical drugs, weakened immune system responses, and a decrease in the use of animal and human resources for research. Cell therapy, in particular, has gained attention for its ability to treat a wide range of diseases such as neurological injuries, chemical burns, valvular heart diseases, and more, offering life-saving solutions. The use of skin cell suspensions in burn treatments, either cultured or uncultured, has been critical and life-saving. Additionally, the use of autologous melanocytes has proven effective in treating vitiligo. Clinical studies focusing on RPE cell transplantation have also been prominent.

Bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency is one of the conditions where cell therapy has proven to be life-saving. Various cellular sources, including skin, hair, teeth, and mesenchymal cells, have been used in this field. Among these, skin and hair follicle cells, due to their ectodermal origin and high differentiation potential, are considered the most suitable for replacement therapies. Therefore, we aim to extract cells from the hair follicle bulge, assess their potential for cultivation and preservation in the laboratory, with the hope that these cells can be used as cell suspensions in the treatment of both acute and chronic corneal injuries. Additionally, after confirming the feasibility of limbal acellularization, this method could become a novel surgical technique to preserve the vision of these patients.