Microfluidics-based skin irritation test using in vitro 3D angiogenesis platform.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Toxicology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Animal testing for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals faces global restrictions, necessitating alternative methods.
• Skin irritation involves epidermal barrier disruption and inflammatory responses, including angiogenesis.
• Current models lack the complexity to fully replicate in vivo skin reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel 3D in vitro angiogenesis platform for assessing skin irritation.
• To investigate the angiogenic effects of common cosmetic ingredients, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and steartrimonium chloride (SC).
• To provide an alternative to animal testing for irritant contact dermatitis and cosmetic safety evaluations.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidic platform co-culturing keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts was utilized.
• Irritated keratinocytes released vascular endothelial growth factors, stimulating angiogenic sprouting.
• The platform was challenged with chemical irritants sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and steartrimonium chloride (SC).

Main Results:

• SLS significantly increased sprout length, indicating a notable irritative effect on angiogenesis.
• Steartrimonium chloride (SC) promoted vessel sprouting and lumen formation at concentrations of 10, 20, and 60 µM.
• The model successfully demonstrated differential responses to known and potentially under-evaluated irritants.

Conclusions:

• The 3D in vitro angiogenesis platform serves as a promising alternative to animal testing for skin irritation.
• This model can elucidate disease mechanisms, such as irritant contact dermatitis.
• It offers a robust system for evaluating the safety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients.