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Published on: October 20, 2023
Novel dermis niche equivalent based on a 3D-structure fabricated by 2-photon polymerization
Sebastian Schröder1,2, Holger Rothe1, Elisabeth Rehbein-Bode1
1Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany.
Biomaterials and Biosystems
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Researchers engineered a skin model using 3D printing to mimic the natural dermal-epidermal junction. This advanced dermis equivalent supports epidermal stem cell growth, offering a better platform for skin research and transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Dermatology
Background:
- The skin's protective functions are vital. Three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering offers potential for creating functional dermis substitutes.
- Mimicking the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) topography for skin-niche models (SKN) remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a dermis equivalent (DE) with a physiologically relevant DEJ topography.
- To investigate the influence of invagination depth on epidermal stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 2-photon polymerization (2PP) to create a patterned template mimicking DEJ topography.
- Translated the template into a dermis equivalent (DE) using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA).
- Cultured human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) within the DE for 14 days and seeded N/TERT-1 keratinocytes on the DE.
Main Results:
- Human neonatal dermal fibroblasts remodeled the DE, maintaining physiological dimensions.
- The DE incorporated GelMA and proliferating fibroblasts producing extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Keratinocytes demonstrated adhesion and proliferation on the patterned DE, validating its potential as an epidermal layer substrate.
Conclusions:
- Developed a dermis equivalent with a natural DEJ topography using 2PP printing.
- This engineered DE serves as a more physiological skin model.
- Potential applications include disease modeling, drug development, screening, and skin transplantation.
