TLDR The study created a skin model with realistic blood vessels that improves skin grafts and testing for drug delivery.
Our study developed a perfusable vascularized full-thickness skin equivalent with a complex blood vasculature to enhance the functionality and viability of skin grafts and the relevance of in vitro applications. This model includes a differentiated epidermis with correct protein expression, three perfusable vascular channels with angiogenic sprouts, and an adjacent microvascular network. Histological analysis confirmed the integrity of the vascular constructs. We validated the model's potential for topical and systemic applications by testing the permeability of caffeine and minoxidil and the systemic delivery of the pollutant benzo[a]pyrene. The results showed that the perfusion of skin constructs and the presence of a complex vascular plexus provided a more predictive model for assessing drug delivery, which could benefit drug discovery and clinical translation in dermatology.
184 citations,
December 2018 in “Nature Communications” Researchers created human hair follicles using a new method that could help treat hair loss.
69 citations,
June 2017 in “Experimental Biology and Medicine” Advanced human skin models improve drug development and could replace animal testing.
208 citations,
January 2013 in “Lab on a Chip” The Multi-Organ-Chip improves the growth and quality of skin and hair in the lab, potentially replacing animal testing.
69 citations,
June 2017 in “Experimental Biology and Medicine” Advanced human skin models improve drug development and could replace animal testing.
43 citations,
July 2019 in “Stem Cells International” Advancements in creating skin grafts with biomaterials and stem cells are promising, but more research is needed for clinical application.
January 2024 in “Journal of Tissue Engineering” A new ethical skin model using stem cells offers a reliable alternative for dermatological research.
33 citations,
September 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Human hair follicle dermal cells can effectively replace other cells in engineered skin.
August 2023 in “Military Medical Research” Scientists have improved 3D models of human skin for research and medical uses, but still face challenges in perfectly replicating real skin.
