L'Oréal and University of Oregon Develop Advanced Artificial Skin Model

In a groundbreaking advancement in tissue engineering, L'Oréal’s scientists from Advanced Research, in collaboration with the University of Oregon, have successfully developed an artificial skin model that closely resembles natural human skin. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the field.

Innovative Bioprinting Method

The partnership has resulted in a sophisticated bioprinting technique that allows for the rapid and precise construction of skin-like structures. Using melt electrowriting (MEW), the researchers, along with Professor Dalton’s team at the University of Oregon, have engineered plastic scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix of natural skin. These scaffolds form a network of finely structured 3D printed threads, within which cultured cells grow to create a bilayered artificial skin.

Unique Breakthrough

"This bilayer membrane model is the only one capable of producing a fully differentiated skin model with a neosynthesized extracellular matrix (ECM) in only 18 days," the scientists stated. The versatility of this model allows for multiple applications, including studying the impact of biological and physical microenvironments on the skin, creating pathological skin models, and testing dermo-cosmetics and pharmaceutical treatments on different ages of skin. Additionally, it holds potential for studying wound healing and developing its use as a graft or wound dressing.

Transformative Potential

This breakthrough promises to drive transformative changes in tissue engineering and scientific research by offering several advantages:

• Customizable Models: The model’s ability to modify its size, shape, and dermal microenvironment enables researchers to create specific and controlled conditions, facilitating more precise studies of skin biology and pathology.
• Accelerated Development: The time required to reconstruct a model with neosynthesized ECM has been reduced from the standard 21 to 50 days to just 18 days, enhancing the efficiency of research and development processes.
• Clinical Translation Potential: The use of FDA-approved synthetic materials in the model’s construction is a crucial step toward clinical applications, paving the way for new therapeutic options, such as personalized skin grafts for burn victims or patients with skin diseases, leading to significant improvements in patient care and outcomes.

Highlights

• L'Oréal and University of Oregon developed an artificial skin model resembling natural human skin.
• The model uses melt electrowriting (MEW) to create a network of 3D printed threads.
• The bilayer membrane model produces a fully differentiated skin model in 18 days.
• The model has applications in studying skin biology, pathology, wound healing, and testing treatments.
• FDA-approved materials in the model enhance its potential for clinical applications.

Data Source: https://www.loreal.com/en/news/research-innovation/revolutionizing-tissue-engineering/