Microecology in vitro model replicates the human skin microbiome interactions.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Dermatology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Skin microecology is a complex balance between the host, microbiome, and environment, crucial for skin health.
• Establishing reliable in vitro models of skin microecology is difficult due to its dynamic and individual nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable, reproducible, and mimicked in vitro skin microecological model.
• To create a standardized human skin microbiota model for research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized light-cured crosslinked hydrogels as a scaffold and moisture source.
• Incorporated nonviable epidermal cells as a primary nutrient source.
• Developed a seven-dominant-strain human skin microbiota model (Hcm).

Main Results:

• The stratum corneum microecology model (SCmic) successfully established a stable and reproducible microecology.
• SCmic accurately replicated normal and oily skin microbiota at the genus level compared to native samples.
• The Hcm model provided a representative microbial community.

Conclusions:

• The developed SCmic and Hcm models offer convenient platforms for studying skin microecology.
• These models facilitate research into host-microbe interactions, microbiome's impact on skin health, and microbial metabolism.
• The models represent a significant advancement in in vitro skin microbiome research.