3D skin model: the promise for dermatology

Our skin – often seen as the barrier between the environment and our organism, is way more than just that! It is our largest organ, displays a complex layered structure and fulfills a plethora of functions. Whereas researchers in cosmetics and dermatology often relied on animal models in the past, the total ban of animal experiments by strict EU regulations was one of the factors driving cell culture based approaches forward.

3D skin models have brought and are bringing dermatology research to the next level!

Dive with PromoCell into emerging technologies in 3D skin modeling – they highlight related challenges, and introduce details on promising technologies, including i.a. bioprinted skin, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip approaches.

Advantages of 3D Skin Models

3D skin models offer several advantages over traditional 2D cultures, including a more realistic cellular environment that closely mimics the natural structure and function of human skin. They provide improved physiological relevance, enhanced predictability, and reproducibility, making them powerful tools in dermatology research. These models are also excellent for studying drug penetration and efficacy, offering a more ethical alternative to animal testing.

Emerging Technologies in 3D Skin Modeling

Despite their potential, 3D skin models face challenges such as standardization, reproducibility, and complexity. However, emerging technologies are addressing these obstacles. Promising advancements include:

• Bioprinted Skin: This technology involves the layer-by-layer deposition of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules to create a three-dimensional structure. Bioprinting enables precise control over the spatial distribution of cells, mimicking the complex architecture of human skin.
• Organoids: Developed from skin cells, organoids replicate the complex tissue microstructure of the skin, including features like sweat glands and hair follicles.
• Organ-on-a-Chip Systems: These systems integrate various cell types and microfluidic channels to mimic the physiological microenvironment of the skin, offering an advanced platform for studying cell interactions and drug responses.

The Future of 3D Skin Models

Advances in bioprinting and tissue engineering are paving the way for more sophisticated and realistic 3D skin models. These technologies hold the promise of creating patient-specific models for personalized drug testing and treatments in dermatology. As the field of 3D skin modeling continues to evolve, it heralds a new era in dermatological research, offering unprecedented opportunities for understanding and treating skin diseases.

Innovative solutions for 3D skin models

PromoCell provides a comprehensive portfolio of products that help you establish a 3D skin model. These products include:

• Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) GM3 are primary cells isolated from the epidermis of human skin. They are crucial for creating a realistic epidermal layer in 3D skin models.
• Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes M3 (NHEM) M3 produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. They are essential for studying pigmentation disorders and melanoma in 3D skin models.
• Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) form the dermal layer of the skin and produce ECM. They play a vital role in wound healing and aging studies.
• Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells (HFDPC) are found at the base of hair follicles and play a key role in hair growth and cycling. Isolated from the human dermis of the scalp, our HFDPCs are useful for creating 3D skin models that incorporate hair follicles.
• Keratinocyte Growth Medium 3 is a specialized medium designed to support the growth of keratinocytes. It ensures their optimal growth and health for the development of high throughput 3D in vitro wound healing models, among other applications.
• Fibroblast Growth Medium 2 supports the growth of human fibroblasts in 3D in vitro wound healing models.
• Melanocyte Growth Medium M3 is designed to optimize the growth of melanocytes.
• Follicle Dermal Papilla Cell Growth Medium supports the growth of follicle dermal papilla cells.

Last but not least, you can explore how the above mentioned and other tools for dermatological research from PromoCell´s portfolio come into play in innovative solutions for 3D skin models. Spread the word on the transformative potential of 3D skin models in reshaping our understanding of skin function.