The hurdles of collagen shrinkage: a promising GelMA-based organotypic skin approach

Abstract

[Excerpt] Introduction: Collagen I (Col I) is the gold standard material to generate many in vitro tissue models, including organotypic skin. Col I remodeling by fibroblasts incorporated in the dermal part of the model leads to significant dimensional changes associated with additional hurdles when cultured within dynamic culture systems. These systems are relevant for the biofunctionality mimicry of the skin due to its multilayered nature and by providing the necessary fluid flow conditioning. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is proposed in this study to validate a dimensionally stable organotypic skin model developed and maintained in a custom-made bioreactor [1], generating a dynamic in vitro testing platform. [...]