RESEARCHERS have developed an advanced artificial skin model using 3D printing technology, offering a significant breakthrough for medical and cosmetic research.
The study, conducted by the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio) under the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), was presented during FAPESP Week Spain in Madrid.
The Human Skin Equivalent with Hypodermis (HSEH) replicates all three layers of human skin—epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis—providing a model with properties closely resembling real human tissue. This innovation could eliminate the need for animal testing in the study of diseases, wounds, burns, and product development.
The skin model is constructed from stem cells and primary cells derived directly from human tissues. Unlike traditional skin models, which typically lack the hypodermis, the HSEH includes this crucial fatty tissue layer. The hypodermis plays a key role in processes like hydration, cell development, and immunity, making it essential for accurate disease modelling and testing. Tissue engineering techniques enabled the creation of a full-thickness skin equivalent that supports efficient cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
The HSEH model will initially be used by LNBio for in-house studies but will also be made available to partner institutions. Applications include developing skin grafts for treating wounds and burns. Another project aims to adapt the model to simulate diabetic skin with chronic wounds, supporting the creation of specialised dressings to address slow-healing wounds common in diabetes patients.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
Avelino TM et al. Unveiling the impact of hypodermis on gene expression for advancing bioprinted full-thickness 3D skin models. Communications Biology. 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07106-4.
