Organoids/organs-on-chips towards biomimetic human artificial skin

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin protects the body from pathogens and harmful substances through physical, chemical, and immune barrier functions. However, accurately replicating the complex physiology of human skin in mouse models remains a significant challenge. Accurately replicating the complex physiology of human skin in mouse models remains a significant challenge, making the development of bionic artificial skin particularly important. In recent years, skin organoid and skin-on-a-chip technologies have greatly enhanced in vitro skin modeling, overcoming many limitations of traditional approaches. In this review, we comprehensively summarize important advances in research on skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip. First, we present the anatomical structures and functional roles of the different skin layers. We then highlight current construction techniques and research findings on skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip. We then discuss in detail the biomedical applications of these emerging technologies. However, current models of skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip still have limitations. Therefore, we summarize the key challenges and explore strategies to improve the complexity and maturation of skin models via the precise control over the microenvironment. In the future, with the advancement of bioengineering technology, skin organoids, and skin-on-a-chip will provide more powerful tools for skin disease research and treatment.