Scientists from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India have joined forces to create 3D-printed human skin that could replace animal testing in the cosmetics industry. By pioneering this method, the team aims to provide a more ethical and scientifically reliable solution for product safety testing.
Replicating Human Skin With Precision
The researchers successfully printed skin that closely replicates the structure of real human skin. It features all three layers—epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis—and uses a blend of living skin cells and engineered hydrogels to mimic how real skin behaves during testing.
Building the Skin’s Foundation With Smart Materials
TU Graz’s team developed special hydrogels to act as the skin’s base. These hydrogels retain high water content, allowing skin cells to survive and grow. However, keeping the material stable without damaging the cells proved difficult. To solve this, the researchers applied bio-inspired crosslinking methods that stabilize the structure gently, without toxic chemicals.
Creating a Safer, More Ethical Testing Method
This 3D-printed skin not only replaces the need for animal subjects, but also delivers more accurate, consistent test results. So far, experiments have shown that the printed skin remains stable and supports healthy cell growth—making it a promising alternative for real-world use.
Next, the team will use this skin model to test how nanoparticles—such as those found in sunscreen—interact with skin. These tests will help determine whether nanoparticles penetrate the skin or cause irritation, all without relying on animal models.
A Model for Global Collaboration
This research project demonstrates how global partnerships can drive innovation. TU Graz brings material science expertise, while VIT contributes deep knowledge in molecular and cell biology. Together, they’re building a future where safe, effective product testing no longer depends on animal experimentation.
