A Perfusable Vascularized Full-Thickness Skin Model for Potential Topical and Systemic Applications

April 2021 in “ Biofabrication ”

Sacha Salameh, Nicolas Tissot, Kevin Cache, Joaquim Lima, Itaru Suzuki, Paulo A. Marinho, Maïté Rielland, Jérémie Sœur, Shoji Takeuchi, Stéphane Germain, Lionel Breton

vascularized skin model full-thickness skin equivalent epidermis protein expression vascular channels angiogenic sprouts microvascular network histological analysis permeability minoxidil systemic delivery drug delivery dermatology Rogaine

Studysummary This study developed a vascularized full-thickness skin equivalent with a complex vascular network, enhancing its predictiveness for topical and systemic drug applications in dermatology research.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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.

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Research cited in this study

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research Tissue Engineering of Human Hair Follicles Using a Biomimetic Developmental Approach

184 citations , December 2018 in “Nature Communications”

This study demonstrated that enhancing human skin constructs with hair follicles through engineered cell organization and vascularization improved hair growth in immunodeficient mice, suggesting potential advances for treating alopecia and chronic wounds.

research Next Generation Human Skin Constructs as Advanced Tools for Drug Development

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This review discusses the advancements and challenges in developing in vitro human skin models incorporating components like vasculature for drug testing and disease research, but reports no new clinical results.

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208 citations , January 2013 in “Lab on a Chip”

The researchers described a chip-based bioreactor platform for dynamic perfusion, which may enhance in vitro skin models by introducing mechanical shear stress and extending culture periods.