Full-Thickness Perfused Skin-on-a-Chip with In Vivo-Like Drug Response for Drug and Cosmetics Testing

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Perfused skin models improve nutrient supply, barrier function, and tissue viability.
• Current models often involve complex, time-consuming setups with variable outcomes.
• Limitations include reliance on self-assembled endothelial cells or sacrificial rods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel 3D perfused skin-on-a-chip model using micro-precision 3D printing.
• To create a streamlined, reproducible, and high-throughput platform for skin model applications.
• To overcome limitations of existing perfusion methods and material interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized projection micro-stereolithography 3D printing to fabricate microcapillary-like channels with biocompatible resin.
• Engineered a skin-on-a-chip with distinct dermis and epidermis layers.
• Validated drug screening capabilities using TNF-α induced inflammation and dexamethasone treatment.

Main Results:

• The 3D model demonstrated distinct dermal and epidermal layers confirmed by H&E and immunostaining.
• Drug response trends in the 3D model mirrored those of human skin.
• The model showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to human skin biopsies during testing.

Conclusions:

• The 3D printed perfused skin-on-a-chip offers a reliable and physiologically relevant platform.
• This model simplifies perfusion setup while maintaining key advantages of perfused systems.
• It serves as a valuable alternative for drug and cosmetic screening applications.