Abstract
A 3D in vitro model of innervated skin would be a useful tool in dermatological research to study the efect of diferent
chemicals and compounds on the sensory properties of skin. Current innervated skin models are limited in composition
and often composed of ex vivo skin explants and/or animal-derived material. In this study, our aim was to develop a human
innervated skin model with a better biomimicry composition for in vitro research. Fibrin hydrogel and aligned electrospun
fbers of poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT) were used as a scafold to generate
the 3D in vitro model. The skin component was made of primary human keratinocytes and primary human fbroblasts, while
the neuronal component was composed of iPSC-derived sensory neurons. Our results showed that the dermal component
consisted of fbroblasts and synthesized collagen. The epidermal component was characterized by the expression of keratins 10 and 14, and involucrin. Finally, sensory neurons extended axons throughout the scafold and reached the epidermis.
Treating the model with a capsaicin solution for 30 min, which was performed as a proof of concept test for sensitization
studies, resulted into partial depletion of substance P and tubulin β3. This model could be used for studying skin-neuron
interactions and cutaneous toxicity.
chemicals and compounds on the sensory properties of skin. Current innervated skin models are limited in composition
and often composed of ex vivo skin explants and/or animal-derived material. In this study, our aim was to develop a human
innervated skin model with a better biomimicry composition for in vitro research. Fibrin hydrogel and aligned electrospun
fbers of poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT) were used as a scafold to generate
the 3D in vitro model. The skin component was made of primary human keratinocytes and primary human fbroblasts, while
the neuronal component was composed of iPSC-derived sensory neurons. Our results showed that the dermal component
consisted of fbroblasts and synthesized collagen. The epidermal component was characterized by the expression of keratins 10 and 14, and involucrin. Finally, sensory neurons extended axons throughout the scafold and reached the epidermis.
Treating the model with a capsaicin solution for 30 min, which was performed as a proof of concept test for sensitization
studies, resulted into partial depletion of substance P and tubulin β3. This model could be used for studying skin-neuron
interactions and cutaneous toxicity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 113-121 |
| Journal | In Vitro Models |
| Volume | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |