BASF Care Creations and CTIBiotech have announced the development of the first 3D bio-printed skin models including immune macrophages. The reconstructed tissue models will be the basis for development and testing of bio-actives for skin care applications with anti-inflammatory properties.
Indeed, macrophages play a key role in maintaining skin homeostasis. They constantly monitor the skin’s microenvironment for indications of cell stress, tissue injury or infection. They are essential to close wounds and to fully regenerate tissue. Macrophages have a high degree of plasticity that promote or suppress inflammation.
“Compared to current in vitro methods, the 3D immune bioprinted skin developed with CTIBiotech will allow analysis more in line with human physiology and the immune role of macrophages,” said Dr Sébastien Cadau, 3D tissue engineering specialist at the BASF site in Lyon, France. “That’s how the technology is going to help us accelerate the development of innovative and highly reliable ingredients for the skin care market. Our understanding of an immunocompetent 3D skin provides the basis for developing and testing advanced cosmetic bio-actives for skincare applications.”
BASF and CTIBiotech started their cooperation as early as 2011. In 2015, the research partners started working on 3D tissue models for the development and testing of bio-actives for skin care applications.
