The dermo-cosmetic industry is currently undergoing a major paradigmatic shift. Driven by international regulatory evolutions—notably the EU’s 2013 ban on animal testing and the subsequent global push for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)—the demand for predictive and reproducible cellular models has never been more critical. Traditional tissue engineering, while foundational, often reaches its limits regarding structural complexity and high-throughput standardization.
At Poietis, we address these challenges through Laser-Assisted Bioprinting (LAB), a disruptive technology designed to organize living matter with micron-level precision.
1. The Context: Shifting from Animal Testing to NAMs
The transition away from in vivo experimentation necessitated the development of skin substitutes capable of accurately mimicking human physiology. While Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) models have been utilized for decades, they frequently lack the multilayered complexity required for advanced toxicity studies or sophisticated anti-aging efficacy assays.
- Physiological Relevance: Integrating multiple cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes.
- Standardization: Minimizing the inter-batch variability inherent in manual scaffolding and seeding methods.
- Architectural Complexity: Faithfully reproducing the dermo-epidermal junction and potential vascularization.
2. The Mechanism: The Advantage of High-Resolution Bioprinting
The Poietis NGB (Next Generation Bioprinting) platform utilizes laser pulses to transfer micro-droplets of bio-ink (comprising cells and extracellular matrix) with extreme accuracy. Unlike extrusion or inkjet-based methods, the LAB process offers:
- Picoliter-Scale Resolution: Precise spatial positioning of cells in 3D, allowing for the replication of physiological cell densities.
- Post-Printing Viability >95%: The process is athermal and mechanical-stress-free, preserving cellular integrity.
- Controlled Matrix Environment: Layer-by-layer deposition of extracellular matrix components (e.g., collagen, elastin) to guide tissue maturation.
The NGB platform is the only technology capable of reaching this level of cellular resolution without compromising viability.
3. Results: Performance of the Poietis Skin Model (NGB-R)
Data derived from our collaborations and technical application notes demonstrate that bioprinted models exhibit superior characteristics compared to traditional manual methods:
| Feature | Bioprinted Skin (NGB) | Manual 3D Models |
|---|---|---|
| Epidermal Differentiation | Full (Functional Stratum Corneum) | Variable |
| Dermal Organization | High (Endogenous Matrix Deposition) | Moderate |
| Reproducibility (CV%) | < 5% | > 15% |
4. Strategic Track Record: The Poietis Legacy
The industrial deployment of our solutions has been validated through high-level R&D partnerships with global industry leaders:
BASF: A collaboration focused on refining bioprinted skin models for ingredient testing. This partnership validated the superiority of laser bioprinting in terms of morphology and standardized signaling compared to conventional models.
L’Oréal: A strategic research partnership targeting biological complexity, specifically the bioprinting of the hair follicle—a major tissue engineering challenge requiring absolute precision in cellular positioning.
5. Perspectives: Toward GMP Compliance
The future of in vitro modeling lies in customization—reproducing aged skin, pathological phenotypes, or specific phototypes. Beyond dermo-cosmetics, the NGB platform is engineered to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, facilitating the transition from research models to therapeutic tissues for clinical implantation.
Laser bioprinting provides unprecedented spatial control over tissue micro-architecture. For dermo-cosmetic stakeholders, this ensures access to robust, predictive models that accelerate time-to-market while guaranteeing consumer safety.