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■ Development and Commercialization of Innovative Tension-Induced Three-Dimensional Artificial Skin

Our skin possesses tensile homeostasis, commonly referred to as skin firmness, which is believed to play a critical role in cellular structure and function. Conventional artificial skin models commercially available today, incorporating both the epidermis and dermis, are based on the Bell-type artificial skin, which undergoes contraction during the manufacturing process.

For the first time worldwide, we have developed a novel three-dimensional artificial skin model with tensile force applied, and we have licensed this manufacturing technology. In this model, the structural organization of the epidermis and dermis closely resembles that of natural skin, while the orientation of these cells reproduces native skin characteristics and demonstrates a dramatic enhancement of cellular physiological functions.​

■ Broad Applications of Tension-Induced Three-Dimensional Artificial Skin

The novel artificial skin model with applied tensile force can be used in conventional safety evaluations, such as skin irritation tests. Furthermore, because tensile force enhances the physiological functions of skin cells, this model enables efficient screening of beneficial compounds for the skin, as well as high-sensitivity functional assays and mechanistic analyses.​

In addition, it allows the construction of diverse model systems, including oxidative stress models and aging-related or micro-stimulation models of the skin. These systems facilitate the screening of protective or resilience-enhancing substances and make it possible to perform tests—previously conducted through human patch testing—using the artificial skin model instead.​ ​