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Evaluating Dermal Bioactivity of Metal Additive Manufacturing Powders Using Human In Vitro and Ex Vivo Skin Models
Alexander Persson1,2, Zuzanna Łyczyńska1,2,3, Mariam Shahata4
1Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
Chemical Research in Toxicology
|May 3, 2026
Summary
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders showed low skin reactivity. Testing on human skin models revealed minimal metal release and no significant inflammation or barrier disruption, suggesting low occupational risk.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Metal additive manufacturing (AM) utilizes alloy powders with limited data on skin contact risks.
- Understanding metal release and biological effects on skin is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cutaneous bioactivity of fine metal AM powders (<10 μm).
- To evaluate metal biodissolution, cellular responses in keratinocytes, and effects on human skin explants.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of four Fe-based AM powders (316L, A, B, C).
- Incubation in artificial sweat (ASW) and cell culture medium.
- Analysis of metal biodissolution, keratinocyte (HaCaT) phenomics, and cytokine profiles.
- Assessment using an ex vivo human skin explant model.
Main Results:
- ASW exposure altered powder surface composition; metal biodissolution was low and medium-dependent.
- No significant changes in keratinocyte cytokine secretion or broad cellular stress observed.
- AM powders did not increase IL-8/CXCL8 in skin explants, remained on the surface, and did not enhance bacterial colonization.
Conclusions:
- Tested AM powders exhibit low short-term cutaneous reactivity under relevant conditions.
- This study provides human-relevant data for occupational risk assessment in AM environments.
- The findings suggest minimal dermal risk associated with handling these metal AM powders.
