Filipino scientists pioneer 3D bioprinted human skin for medical testing

A group of Filipino scientists has developed a 3D Bioprinted Human Skin Equivalent built for biocompatibility testing.

During the Department of Science and Technology’s Talakayang HeaRT Beat Press Conference on Wednesday, project leader Jan Vincent Sollesta said that the product was developed to provide pharmaceutical companies with a viable sample for topical formulations.

He noted that 3D bioprinted human skin made for local and faster testing costs less, and is more humane than the current industry standard.

 “Nakita namin na possible din pala na gumawa ng isang human skin equivalent o lab-grown human skin para gamitin model na instead of [paggamit ng] mga animals, tayo na mismo yung gagawa ng mga models na ito,” Sollesta said.

(We saw that it was possible to create a human skin equivalent or lab-grown human skin to be used as a model, so that instead of using animals, we are making our own models.)

The product aims to change the traditionally accepted method of biocompatibility testing to ensure medical products are safe to interact with human tissue.

Currently, the team has filed for the “Aghamiya” trademark and has trained individuals in cell culture and 3D bioprinting.

The HSE continues to undergo development with ongoing validation of morphology, cell viability, and permeability.

The team also seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind biomedical testing laboratory in Region VI.—LDF, GMA News