IVIC researchers develop skin regeneration therapy

Published at: 26/08/2026 06:40 PM

The Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology (MINCYT), through the Center for Regenerative Medicine of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), is advancing a line of research that promises to transform healing and tissue regeneration treatments.

In this regard, researcher Bélgica Molina is developing a therapeutic model based on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from hair follicles, details a press release from the ministerial portfolio.

This project, which has been running for two years at the Center, focuses on the application of these cells to accelerate wound regeneration in animal models. Mesenchymal stromal cells are recognized in the scientific community for their ability to reduce inflammation and prevent immune rejection, making them an essential tool for treating burns and severe skin damage.

The specialist explained that the novelty of this research lies in the source of obtaining the cells, which are traditionally extracted from bone marrow, adipose tissue or the umbilical cord. He also added that “the hair follicle represents an efficient, less invasive and easily accessible alternative, since it can be obtained through simple procedures such as extraction or hair removal.”

He stated that the process consists of obtaining hair follicles that are placed on plates with specialized nutritional media. Starting from a specific region of the follicle known as prominence —where a stem cell reservoir resides—, the growth and expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells is achieved using the explant technique.

Mazo News Team