First-in-kind 3D bioprinted human skin model using recombinant human collagen

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dermatology

Background:

• Lack of reliable in-vitro human skin models hinders disease modeling and therapeutic screening.
• 3D bioprinting technology offers a potential solution for fabricating complex biological structures.
• Animal testing for preclinical research faces ethical and translational limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully humanized 3D bioprinted skin model as an alternative to animal testing.
• To evaluate the structural and functional resemblance of the bioprinted skin to native human skin.
• To explore the potential of plant-derived recombinant human collagen in skin bioprinting.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D bioprinted skin model using plant-derived recombinant human collagen.
• Incorporation of human skin fibroblasts, melanocytes, and keratinocytes.
• Analysis of skin model characteristics, including protein expression, melanin content, and epidermal stratification.

Main Results:

• The 3D bioprinted skin model expressed key markers (involucrin, cytokeratin 14) and contained melanin granules.
• The model exhibited epidermal stratification, indicating skin maturation, though keratinocyte morphology differed slightly from native skin.
• The model currently lacks skin appendages like hair follicles and sweat glands due to technological limitations.

Conclusions:

• 3D bioprinting with plant-derived recombinant human collagen can create a viable human skin model for preclinical research.
• This technology offers advantages such as high-throughput production, personalization, and reduced animal testing.
• Future advancements in bioprinting may overcome current limitations, expanding applications in regenerative medicine.