In Vitro Skin Models for Pigmentary Disorders: From Reconstructed Tissues to Skin-on-a-Chip Platforms
August 2026
in “
Regenerative Biomaterials
”
vitiligo melasma post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation solar lentigines senile lentigines cutaneous pigmentary disorders in vitro models ex vivo explants co-cultures three-dimensional skin equivalents bioprinted constructs organoids skin-on-a-chip platforms human pigmentation processes disease-specific pathological processes therapeutic evaluation vascular integration immune integration New Approach Methodologies skin models pigmentation disorders 3D skin models skin chip
This review discusses the limitations of conventional animal models and two-dimensional cultures in studying cutaneous pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and solar/senile lentigines. It evaluates advanced in vitro models, including ex vivo explants, co-cultures, three-dimensional skin equivalents, bioprinted constructs, organoids, and skin-on-a-chip platforms. These models are assessed based on their ability to replicate human pigmentation processes, disease-specific pathological processes, and their potential for mechanistic studies and therapeutic evaluation. The review highlights challenges such as vascular and immune integration, long-term stability, and regulatory acceptance, emphasizing the need for improved models within the framework of New Approach Methodologies.
