BIOPRINTED human skin has been on the scene for some time, but L'Oreal -- yes, the cosmetics company -- is hoping to get into the game.
The French beauty juggernaut announced recently that it is partnering with Organovo, a 3-D human tissue company, to print tons of the stuff to facilitate animal-free cosmetics testing.
It's an interesting and quite logical next step for the technology, which is already being explored for use in human skin grafts that could treat burns or for use in reconstructive surgery. But this will be the first application of the technology in the beauty industry, the companies said in a joint statement.
Decades ago, L'Oreal began exploring skin culture technologies that could hasten the company's move away from animal testing with the use of human skin samples. The current technique involves incubating human skin -- taken from willingly donated plastic surgery scraps -- and growing new cells from it.
Ever since the European Union's ban on animal-tested cosmetic ingredients in 2013, this lab-grown skin has become an even greater necessity in the world of cosmetics. And the bioprinting process, which the companies hope will eventually be fully automated, is going to yield much more skin for L'Oreal to work with.
The company says, however, that at the moment, their focus is on refining the production process, not speed.
"Some of the biggest potential advantages are the speed of production as well as the level of precision that 3-D printing can achieve," Guive Balooch, global vice president of L'Oreal's technology incubator said in an e-mail to The Washington Post. "L'Oreal's focus right now is not to increase the quantity of skin we produce but instead to continue to build on the accuracy and consistent replication of the skin engineering process."
According to Bloomberg, with Organovo's technology and L'Oreal's expertise in synthesizing human skin, the two companies hope to speed up the process of skin production in the next five years:
Research for the project will take place in Organovo's labs and L'Oreal's new California research center. L'Oreal will provide skin expertise and all the initial funding, while Organovo, which is already working with such companies as Merck to print liver and kidney tissues, will provide the technology.
Because the current process is done essentially by hand, the company has some 60 scientists doing the work at its Lyon, France, lab. In a year, their efforts produce a cowhide worth of human skin samples, according to Bloomberg. The process yields nine different types of human skin samples -- representing different ages and ethnicities -- that can be used to test various products.
An automated process using Organovo's 3-D printing technology is likely eventually to increase the pace of production significantly. And in the ultra competitive world of cosmetics, that could be a valuable advantage.
For now, the partnership is still in the "research" phase, and it is unclear how long it will be before L'Oreal begins using the technology in product testing.
L'Oreal is partnering with Organovo, a 3-D human tissue company, to print material that will facilitate animal-free cosmetics testing:
The Washington Post
Wed May 20 2015
For now, the partnership is still in the "research" phase, and it is unclear how long it will be before L'Oreal begins using the technology in product testing.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.