Fig. 1

Ficoll density gradient sedimentation isolation of pelage DP sphere. After preparation of mouse back skin, digestion and scarping, FDGS was performed. In first step, 5% Ficoll mixed solution was added slowly on 10% Ficoll solution, which created two density layers (A). After first step centrifugation, upper layer presented a large number of single cells (C–E), while lower layer presented hair shafts and pelage DP spheres (F–H, white arrow). First step lower layer pellet was collected and re-suspended with 0% Ficoll solution (pure DMEM), slowly added on 10% Ficoll solution, which also created two density layers (B). After second step centrifugation, upper layer presented plenty of pelage DP spheres (I–K, white arrow), while lower layer presented unwanted hair shafts (L–N)