They have been available for quite some time: three-dimensional skin models, the application of which is even OECD-approved. Some time ago, skin models with immune cells were also presented for medical questions. What has always been a great challenge is to reproduce organ-like systems with their blood vessels. Without the smallest blood vessels, the replicas cannot be supplied with sufficient nutrients and oxygen, and the cells inside the structures will die. Of course, this is also true for other organ-like systems (organoids).

The researchers led by Prof. Michael Ausserlechner, head of the Molecular Biology Research Laboratory of the University Hospital Innsbruck have now taken a decisive step forward.  They are printing bioactive protein gels with living cells on a Plexiglas chip manufactured in-house. Over the course of days, a three-layer skin model consisting of blood vessels, connective tissue, and epidermis is formed. For its development, the research group collaborated with a collagen specialist, Arthro Kinetics Biotechnology GmbH.

Their skin models can be used in drug and cosmetic testing, for research into infections and allergies, as well as in cancer research. The production of disease models from patient-specific cells is also planned.

Sources:
https://science.apa.at/rubrik/medizin_und_biotech/Menschliche_Haut_aus_3D-Drucker_soll_Tierversuche_vermeiden/SCI_20200903_SCI39371351256265070
https://www.i-med.ac.at/bioprinting/mission.html.en