Targeting the Complexity of In Vitro Skin Models: A Review of Cutting-Edge Developments

J Invest Dermatol. 2024 Dec;144(12):2650-2670. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.032. Epub 2024 Aug 10.

Abstract

Skin in vitro models offer much promise for research, testing drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, reducing animal testing and extensive clinical trials. There are several in vitro approaches to mimicking human skin behavior, ranging from simple cell monolayer to complex organotypic and bioengineered 3-dimensional models. Some have been approved for preclinical studies in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, development of physiologically reliable in vitro human skin models remains in its infancy. This review reports on advances in in vitro complex skin models to study skin homeostasis, aging, and skin disease.

Keywords: In vitro disease models; In vitro skin aging; In vitro skin models; Skin bioprinting; Skin on chip.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Models, Biological
  • Skin Aging / drug effects
  • Skin Aging / physiology
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / therapy
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena
  • Skin* / cytology
  • Skin* / pathology
  • Tissue Engineering / methods