A groundbreaking collaboration between Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India has resulted in the development of a 3D-printed skin model designed to replace animal testing in the cosmetic industry. This innovation aligns with increasingly strict European regulations—such as Directive 2010/63/EU—which significantly limit the use of animal testing for cosmetic purposes.
At the core of the research are specially engineered hydrogels, which serve as the foundation for creating lifelike, biomimetic skin structures. These hydrogels are infused with living skin cells and processed using a biocompatible 3D printing method. Their high water content makes them ideal for supporting cell growth and proliferation, but it also presents unique challenges in maintaining mechanical and chemical stability. To address this, TU Graz developed innovative crosslinking techniques that stabilize the structures under mild, cell-friendly conditions, avoiding substances that could damage the delicate cells.
Initial testing has shown promising results: the printed materials do not exhibit cytotoxic effects and are capable of supporting stable, living tissue structures for several weeks. As the skin cells differentiate and mature into functional tissue, these models become viable platforms for exposure testing with nanoparticles, a common component in cosmetic products.
The next phase of the project aims to create standardized testing protocols, moving toward reliable, reproducible methods for evaluating cosmetic product safety—without the need for animal models. This approach offers a realistic and ethical alternative for the industry, representing a significant step forward in sustainable and humane product development.
By merging cutting-edge bioprinting technology with advanced tissue engineering, this research marks a pivotal shift in how cosmetic products can be tested safely, paving the way for a future where innovation and animal welfare go hand in hand.
By Impact Lab
