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3D skin models for 3R research: The potential of 3D reconstructed skin models to study skin barrier function
Author(s) -
Niehues Hanna,
Bouwstra Joke A.,
El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb,
Brandner Johanna M.,
Zeeuwen Patrick L. J. M.,
Bogaard Ellen H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/exd.13531
Subject(s) - skin barrier , barrier function , skin equivalent , human skin , penetration (warfare) , in vivo , in vitro , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , dermatology , keratinocyte , medicine , biochemistry , engineering , genetics , operations research
The skin barrier is an important shield regulating the outside‐in as well as inside‐out penetration of water, nutrients, ions and environmental stimuli. We can distinguish four different barrier compartments: the physical, chemical, immunological and microbial skin barrier. Well‐functioning of those is needed to protect our body from the environment. To better understand the function and the contribution of barrier dysfunction in skin diseases, 3D skin or epidermal models are a valuable tool for in vitro studies. In this review, we summarize the development and application of different skin models in skin barrier research. During the last years, enormous effort was made on optimizing these models to better mimic the in vivo composition of the skin, by fine‐tuning cell culture media, culture conditions and including additional cells and tissue components. Thereby, in vitro barrier formation and function has been improved significantly. Moreover, in this review we point towards changes and chances for in vitro 3D skin models to be used for skin barrier research in the nearby future.