3D Bioprinted Skin Tissue Arrays for Faster Layered Maturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional skin models in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries lack physiological relevance and require lengthy maturation times to achieve a layered structure, limiting their effectiveness in toxicology screening and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional skin models using bio-ink formulation and continuous deposition printing methods, including aerosol spray printing, to create a layered skin structure within 12 days, incorporating dermal and epidermal layers with optional hypodermal compartments, and allowing for the integration of specialized cell types like melanocytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional skin models are used, then the model complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but physiological relevance is poor and maturation time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional skin models to three-dimensional bioprinted skin models. This dimensional change enables the formation of stratified epidermal layers and dermal-epidermal junctions that mimic native skin architecture, significantly improving physiological relevance while reducing maturation time through automated layer-by-layer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters including cell density (1-10 million cells/mL), layer thickness (50-500 μm), and maturation time (reduced from weeks to days). These parameter changes in the bioprinting process enable rapid formation of physiologically relevant skin structures with controlled architecture and composition
2Reliability
If three-dimensional skin models are created using bioprinting, then physiological relevance and reproducibility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bioprinting system is divided into modular components: bio-ink formulation modules, deposition modules (aerosol spray or extrusion), layer stacking modules, and maturation modules. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bioprinting platform is designed with multi-functionality to print different cell types (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes), create various skin layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), and produce multiple tissue formats (skin equivalents, organoids, arrays). This universal approach reduces the need for multiple specialized devices
3Productivity
If existing skin models are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the time frame to obtain mature layered structure is lengthy (minimum 3 weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
Cells are pre-loaded into bio-ink formulations with optimized concentrations and viability before printing. The bioprinting process deposits pre-formed cellular layers with correct architecture, eliminating the need for gradual layer-by-layer assembly during maturation. This preliminary preparation accelerates layer formation from weeks to days while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized bio-ink protocols
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 3D skin models provide a physiologically relevant alternative to animal models, offering reproducibility and a significantly reduced maturation time, enhancing their utility in toxicology screening and therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
The epidermal layer was bioprinted onto the dermal layer by aerosol spray deposition from a biopinter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are bioprinted, three-dimensional, biological skin tissues comprising: a dermal layer comprising dermal fibroblasts; and an epidermal layer comprising keratinocytes, the epidermal layer in contact with the dermal layer to form the three-dimensional, engineered, biological skin tissue. Also disclosed are arrays of engineered skin tissues and methods of making engineered skin tissues.