TECHNICAL FOCUS:
3D In Vitro Model of Human Epidermis (RHE) Enriched with Sebum
Mara Carloni, PhD
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Key takeaway:
The new sebum-supplemented RHE model provides a versatile tool for the screening of topical formulations designed for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as for their benchmarking.
If microbial species are added to this model, it can also enable the analysis of sebum-microbiota interactions.
Most commonly used human reconstructed epidermal models do not include sebum—the natural oil produced by sebocytes within sebaceous glands—which plays critical roles in hydration and antimicrobial defense.
Our team has developed a new 3D in vitro model of human epidermis enriched with sebum that more closely mimics the physiology of natural skin and is therefore more clinically relevant.
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Androgen-Sensitive Sebocyte Cell Line
The model consists of three components:
- Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE): Primary human keratinocytes are grown at the air–liquid interface, forming a stratified, multilayered 3D epidermal structure that includes all four epidermal strata: basale, spinosum, granulosum, and corneum.
- Artificial Sebum: A mixture containing all major sebum constituents at standardized concentrations, replicating the composition of balanced, natural sebum.
- Bacterial Mix (optional): Added on top to either mimic normal skin microbiota or simulate specific microbial imbalances. Different combinations can be selected depending on the study objectives.
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This model supports the screening of topical formulations designed for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as their benchmarking.
Interested in Oily & Acne-prone skin?
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C. acnes Proliferation
Test: Bacterial quantification
Method: qPCR
Observation: The addition of sebum to the RHE model leads to a significant increase in C. acnes proliferation.
Interpretation of results: A sebum-rich environment enhances C. acnes proliferation
Sebum Composition
Test: Lipid content
Method: GC/MS
Observation: In the presence of C. acnes, a reduction in the lipid content of sebum is observed, with the most significant decrease occurring in triglycerides, likely due to lipase activity.
Interpretation of results: C. acnes alters sebum composition during colonization.
Bacterial Profile
Test: Bacterial quantification
Method: Colony counting
Observation: The lipid composition of sebum selectively supports C. acnes growth, contributing to microbiota imbalance.
Interpretation of results: The presence of sebum on the RHE stimulated the proliferation of bacterial strains within the mixture. C. acnes outcompeted the other bacteria, demonstrating its preferential growth in sebum-rich environments.
