Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Improving 2D and 3D Skin In Vitro Models Using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: August 22, 2016
Targeting the Complexity of In Vitro Skin Models: A Review of Cutting-Edge Developments
Cristina Quílez1, Luís B Bebiano2, Eleri Jones3
1Bioengineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain; Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Skin in vitro models offer much promise for research, testing drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, reducing animal testing and extensive clinical trials. There are several in vitro approaches to mimicking human skin behavior, ranging from simple cell monolayer to complex organotypic and bioengineered 3-dimensional models. Some have been approved for preclinical studies in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, development of physiologically reliable in vitro human skin models remains in its infancy. This review reports on advances in in vitro complex skin models to study skin homeostasis, aging, and skin disease.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

