Validation of Bioprinting Technique for Skin Equivalent Models

Background: Skin pigmentation is a complex process; thus, skin equivalent methodologies that can reproduce the main skin structures and pigmentation have been studied. To improve the skin equivalent model, bioprinting technology has emerged, allowing for the reproduction of the complex, functional, and personalized three-dimensional architecture of the skin. Objective: Our aim was to develop a skin equivalent model and a pigmented skin equivalent model and compare the manually produced models with the bioprinted models. Methods: The study was conducted using fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and melanocytes cell lines with a 3D cell culture technique, either through bioprinting or manual production. Additionally, the bleaching potential of the model was evaluated by applying kojic acid. Results: It was observed that the bioprinted skin equivalent model demonstrated similar cell architecture and gene expression compared to the manually produced model. A pigmented skin equivalent model was developed and also bioprinted. The pigmented bioprinted skin equivalent model exhibited similar pigmentation behavior and lightening potential as the manual model. Conclusion: We have validated the use of bioprinting for reproducing skin equivalent model and cost-effective scaling of skin production.