3D-Bioprinted Phantom with Human Skin Phototypes for Biomedical Optics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Bioprinting
• Dermatology

Background:

• Understanding the impact of diverse skin phototypes on biomedical optics is crucial for equitable technology development.
• Current models often lack the complexity to accurately represent variations in human skin pigmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop 3D-bioprinted skin phantoms that mimic various human skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale).
• To investigate the influence of skin phototype on biomedical optics modalities.
• To validate the optical properties and melanin mimicry of the fabricated phantoms.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of synthetic melanin nanoparticles (70-500 nm) and clusters to replicate melanosome optical behavior.
• Characterization of phantom optical properties (absorption and reduced scattering coefficients) against human skin.
• Validation of melanin content and distribution using photoacoustic (PA) imaging.
• Application of various biomedical optics tools (PA imaging, fluorescence imaging, photothermal therapy) to assess skin tone impact.

Main Results:

• The 3D-bioprinted phantoms exhibit absorption and reduced scattering coefficients comparable to real human skin.
• Photoacoustic signal intensity in phantoms is significantly enhanced by increasing melanin size, clustering, and concentration.
• Demonstrated the utility of these phantoms in understanding skin tone effects on PA imaging, fluorescence imaging, and photothermal therapy.

Conclusions:

• 3D-bioprinted skin phantoms with tunable melanin content and distribution provide a valuable tool for biomedical optics research.
• These phantoms can help elucidate the impact of skin phototypes on optical modalities.
• The development holds potential for advancing biomedical optics translation and mitigating racial bias in medical technologies.