Self-assembling human skin on a chip
Engineering self-assembled skin-on-a-chip
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11302687
They are making a tiny, living human skin on a chip that mimics real skin to help with infections, wounds, and skin cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11302687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow human pluripotent stem cells into full-thickness skin organoids that include epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, and sensory nerves. These organoids are reformatted onto microfluidic 'chips' that allow easy imaging and controlled flow to keep the tissue alive longer. The team plans to add blood vessels and immune cells so the skin behaves more like it does in the body. With this platform, they aim to recreate infections, inflammation, wound healing, and early cancer changes in a controlled lab setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with skin conditions—such as chronic wounds, recurring infections, or early-stage skin cancers—would be most relevant, particularly if they can donate tissue or samples for research.
Not a fit: People without skin-related problems or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give doctors and scientists safer, more accurate lab models to test treatments and learn how skin diseases and infections start and progress.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid and organ-on-chip approaches have shown promise in modeling human tissues and testing therapies, but creating long-lived skin chips with integrated immune and vascular systems remains novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOEHLER, KARL RUSSELL — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: KOEHLER, KARL RUSSELL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections, Cancers