Clecell develops full-thickness artificial skin using iPSCs and 3D bioprinting

Clecell, a South Korean–based biotechnology company focused on artificial skin fabrication, has developed a full-thickness 3D bioprinted skin model using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The model, named CLE-iFTs, incorporates fibroblasts and keratinocytes derived from iPSCs and was produced using the company’s proprietary 3D bioprinting technology.

According to the company, the bioprinted skin model exhibits higher structural precision, improved reproducibility, and enhanced biological functionality compared to conventionally produced skin models. Laboratory results showed strong performance in cell viability, tissue stability, and epidermal barrier function.

“This research represents a significant advancement in the precision and reproducibility of artificial skin fabrication,” said Jiheon Lee, Head of Research at Clecell. “It can serve as a new standard for non-animal testing models for cosmetics and pharmaceutical safety evaluation. Furthermore, it holds potential for expansion into therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications, such as wound and burn treatment.”

The development builds on Clecell’s earlier work with Konkuk University’s School of Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine, where the team established a human iPSC-derived epidermal model (hiPSC-SKE). That model was validated as an alternative to non-clinical tests by demonstrating expected responses to Triton X-100 exposure, in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 439, which governs in vitro methods for skin irritation testing.

OECD TG 439 supports the use of reconstructed human epidermis models as an alternative to animal testing in cosmetic and chemical safety studies. With growing ethical and regulatory pressures to reduce animal testing, the guideline has become a global benchmark for non-animal skin toxicity screening.

Clecell’s researchers emphasize the value of iPSCs as a cell source due to their indefinite proliferation and differentiation capabilities, which may help address challenges related to donor variability and limited scalability in primary cell-based models. The company is positioning the CLE-iFTs platform as a foundation for industrial applications spanning toxicity testing, cosmetic screening, and therapeutic tissue engineering.