Next-Generation In Vitro Testing: Microfluidic Models for Aging, Wound Healing, and Oral Tissue Analysis in Safety, Efficacy, and Permeation Studies

The development of microfluidic Skin on Chip Equivalents (SoCE) represents a significant advancement in in vitro testing for aging, wound healing, and oral tissue analysis. These models, which incorporate blood flow mimicry, offer more realistic and dynamic conditions compared to static 3D skin equivalents. Using juvenile human fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the SoCE models demonstrate improved epidermal thickness, differentiation, and skin marker expression. They also show higher levels of Lamin B1 and Ki67, indicating a suitable physiological baseline for aging studies. In wound healing models, specific cytokines correlate with skin barrier function, marking progress from keratinocyte differentiation to healing. Additionally, microfluidic models of oral mucosa and gingiva have been developed, featuring functional vascularized blood vessels, which are ideal for toxicity, efficacy tests, and oral care evaluations. Overall, these advancements enhance cell culture conditions and provide more accurate models for research, reducing the reliance on animal testing.