Novel methodologies for host-microbe interactions and microbiome-targeted therapeutics in 3D organotypic skin models
Authors
Gijs Rikken, Luca D. Meesters, Patrick A. M. Jansen, Diana Rodijk-Olthuis, Ivonne M. J. J. van Vlijmen-Willems, Hanna Niehues, Jos P. H. Smits, Peter Oláh, Bernhard Homey, Joost Schalkwijk, Patrick L. J. M. Zeeuwen, Ellen H. van den Bogaard
Institution
Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Nijmegen
Country
Netherlands
Year
2023
Journal
Microbiome
Abstract
Background
Following descriptive studies on skin microbiota in health and disease, mechanistic studies on the interplay between skin and microbes are on the rise, for which experimental models are in great demand. Here, we present a novel methodology for microbial colonization of organotypic skin and analysis thereof.
Results
An inoculation device ensured a standardized application area on the stratum corneum and a homogenous distribution of bacteria, while preventing infection of the basolateral culture medium even during prolonged culture periods for up to 2 weeks at a specific culture temperature and humidity. Hereby, host-microbe interactions and antibiotic interventions could be studied, revealing diverse host responses to various skin-related bacteria and pathogens.
Conclusions
Our methodology is easily transferable to a wide variety of organotypic skin or mucosal models and different microbes at every cell culture facility at low costs. We envision that this study will kick-start skin microbiome studies using human organotypic skin cultures, providing a powerful alternative to experimental animal models in pre-clinical research.