3D Printing of Skin Equivalents with Hair Follicle Structures and Epidermal‐Papillary‐Dermal Layers Using Gelatin/Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels
Moon Sung Kang, Mina Kwon, Seok Hyun Lee, Won‐Hyeon Kim, Gyeong Won Lee, Hyo Jung Jo, Bongju Kim, Seung Yun Yang, Ki Su Kim, Dong‐Wook Han
Abstract
Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies have enabled the fabrication of sophisticated live 3D tissue analogs. Despite the existing hydrogel-based bioinks, the development of advanced bioink materials that can accurately reproduce the composition of a native extracellular matrix and mimic the intrinsic properties of laden cells remains challenging. In this study, 3D printed skin equivalents incorporating hair follicle structures and epidermal/papillary dermal layers were fabricated using gelatin methacryloyl/hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (GelMA/HAMA) bioink. The composition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan in native skin was recapitulated by adjusting the combination of GelMA and HAMA. The GelMA/HAMA bioink exhibited excellent viscoelastic and physicochemical properties, 3D printability, cytocompatibility, and functionality to maintain hair-inductive potency while facilitating spontaneous hair pore development. The results indicate that GelMA/HAMA hydrogels are promising candidates as bioinks for the 3D printing of skin equivalents. Furthermore, they may serve as useful models for skin tissue engineering and regeneration.