The aim of this study is to survey melanocytes in the ability of self-assembly on biomaterials and functional analysis in vitro. Also, this study may provide a better way for treatment of vitiligo after understanding the functional aspects of melanocytes.

Vitiligo is a chronic disease that causes loss of melanocyte and pigment of the skin. Traditional treatments for vitiligo including topical corticosteroids and phototherapy lead to limited clinical effects. Autologous melanocyte transplantation is another way to treat vitiligo. However, the effect is largely affected by whether cultivated melanocytes are successfully uptaken by vitiliginous skin. The aim of this study is to survey the self-assembly on biomaterials and functional analysis. In the long run, this study may provide a better way for treatment of vitiligo.

• Melanocyte
• Vitiligo

• Lin SJ, Jee SH, Hsaio WC, Lee SJ, Young TH. Formation of melanocyte spheroids on the chitosan-coated surface. Biomaterials. 2005 Apr;26(12):1413-22.
• Lin SJ, Jee SH, Hsiao WC, Yu HS, Tsai TF, Chen JS, Hsu CJ, Young TH. Enhanced cell survival of melanocyte spheroids in serum starvation condition. Biomaterials. 2006 Mar;27(8):1462-9. Epub 2005 Sep 19.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving cosmetic removal of moles

Exclusion Criteria:

• No special exclusion criteria

• National Science Council, Taiwan
• National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan