Researchers Develop 3D-Printed Synthetic Skin to Eliminate Animal Testing

Apr 4th, 2025
Can 3D biopringing make animal testing for cosmetics a thing of the past? New research says yes.
Can 3D biopringing make animal testing for cosmetics a thing of the past? New research says yes.
cottonbro studio at Pexels

Researchers from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India are using a 3D bioprinting technique to create a synthetic version of human skin that "could significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the need for animal testing trials in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries," per an official announcement.

Details of the project were published in the journal STAR Protocols. 

The process layers 3D-printed hydrogel with living human cells to recreate the structure and biological behavior (hydration and flexibility) of human skin. Its properties deliver "optimal conditions for cell growth and multiplication, due to its moisture-rich environment," per the researchers.

The hydrogel features high water content and is reportedly highly compatible with living cells.

When exposed to cosmetics or other substances, the artificial skin reportedly reacts exactly as real human skin would.

This functionality could reportedly reshape product testing protocols for beauty, as well as wound healing, without the need for animals.

Up next, the researchers will extend the lifespan of the bioengineered skin to two or three weeks, which is the duration necessary for supporting product testing.

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