A joint research project between Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India has produced a 3D-printed skin replica that is intended for use in testing nanoparticles from cosmetic products. The aim of the project is to replace animal testing with the use of living cell cultures in printed, biomimetic structures—especially in light of European regulations such as Directive 2010/63/EU, which heavily restrict animal testing for cosmetic applications.
At the heart of the research are specially developed hydrogels, which are combined with living skin cells and processed using a biocompatible 3D printing method. These hydrogel formulations are characterized by a high water content, making them particularly suitable for cell growth and proliferation. At the same time, this high water content places specific demands on the mechanical and chemical stability of the structures. TU Graz addresses this challenge with innovative crosslinking methods that are carried out under physiologically mild conditions and without cell-damaging substances.
“The hydrogels for our 3D-printed skin model must meet several requirements,” says Karin Stana Kleinschek from the Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems. “The hydrogels must be able to interact with living skin cells. These cells must not only survive but also grow and proliferate.”
Initial results show that the materials do not exhibit cytotoxic effects and allow for stable, cell-populated tissue structures over several weeks. Once differentiated skin tissue forms, the models can be used for exposure testing with nanoparticles.
“In the next step, the 3D-printed models (replicas) will be used for testing nanoparticles,” says Karin Stana Kleinschek. “This is a success of the complementary research conducted at TU Graz and VIT. Our many years of expertise in materials research for tissue models and the VIT’s expertise in molecular and cell biology have complemented each other perfectly. We are now working together to further optimize the hydrogel formulations and validate their suitability as an alternative to animal testing.”
The next development phase also aims to establish standardized testing scenarios for use in cosmetic safety research. This approach offers a realistic perspective for reducing animal-based methods in product development.
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