Skin-on-Chip

TL;DR: In the last few decades, skin bioengineering has undergone several advancements as mentioned in this paper , and the need, understanding, and importance of developing artificial skin, i.e. in vitro human skin models (HSMs) such as static and dynamic perfusion-based skin-on-chip (SOC) models for studying the effect of cosmetics, skin diseases, and drug discovery, have started budding in recent years.

Abstract: In the last few decades, skin bioengineering has undergone several advancements. The need, understanding, and importance of developing artificial skin, i.e. in vitro human skin models (HSMs) such as static and dynamic perfusion-based skin-on-chip (SOC) models for studying the effect of cosmetics, skin diseases, and drug discovery, have started budding in recent years. SOCs are shown to be more realistic, high throughput, and less expensive alternatives to animal models for pre-clinical testing. Thus, fabrication, development, characterization, and validation of various in vitro HSMs like SOC came into the subject of skin tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and diagnostics. The ideology of SOC proves the basic principle of 3Rs, i.e. replace, reduce, and refine (RRR). It satisfies the morphological, biomechanical, and functional resemblance to human skin. It has been validated by applications of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, significantly demonstrating its efficacy, delivery, and toxicity. In this book chapter, all the mentioned parameters are discussed sequentially. An outlook on SOC impact, regulations, IPR followed by challenges, and current and future perspectives is also presented in the later section of this chapter.