BASF and Poietis sign R&D agreement on 3D bioprinting technology for skin care

Poietis has signed an agreement with the chemicals company to combine the pair’s expertise in tissue engineering and bioprinting.

As such, the bioprinting technology of Poietis will be applied to improve BASF’s skin equivalent model Mimeskin.

Collaboration​

“We are extremely pleased about this collaboration. Having long-term expertise in solutions for the dermocosmetics market, BASF understands the benefits of 3D laser-assisted bioprinting compared to conventional cell culture technologies and other bioprinting methods,”​ says Dr Fabien Guillemot, Founder and President of Poietis.

“The partnership also emphasizes bioprinted tissue models as an alternative to animal testing in cosmetics and dermopharmacy.”​

The 3D laser-assisted bioprinting technology, by which organic tissues can be reproduced, allows for a precise positioning of the skin cells in three-dimensional structures. Through this, cells are cultivated within BASF’s skin model Mimeskin.

As per the arrangement, Poietis’ bioprinting technology will refine Mimeskin due to its advanced printing resolution, and thelaser-assisted bioprinting technology will be used in a first step to allow for automated reproduction of Mimeskin, followed by more advanced models containing additional cell types.

“Compared to other bioprinting methods the laser-assisted technology provides higher resolution when it comes to the patterning of cells,”​ adds Dr Sebastien Cadau, responsible for tissue engineering development at BASF.

“The partnership with Poietis allows BASF to secure its strategic advantage in better understanding the skin mechanisms which support the development and testing of advanced cosmetic bioactives for skin care applications.”​

3D bioprinted skin​

3D bioprinting is the process of generating spatially-controlled cell patterns using 3D printing technologies, where cell function and viability are preserved within the printed construct; and it is an area that a number of cosmetics manufacturers are moving into.

Earlier in the year, French firm L’Oréal signed an exclusive deal with San Diego-based Organovo on a skin tissue venture​ utilising 3D bioprinting technology.

Procter & Gamble also got in on the act, announcing it is working with the Singaporean government’s Agency for Science, Technology & Research, and inviting scientists to apply for grants as part of a $44 million, five-year research program​ to accelerate innovation, and expand research on 3D bioprinted skin.