3D(Bio)printed infection models of human lung cells and skin hair follicles to study nanoantibiotics

Introduction: Chronic lung infections caused by biofilms may eventually be eradicated by anti-infective nanocarriers (1). Optimizing their effects on both pathogens and host cells requires complex in vitro models, also allowing aerosol deposition. To overcome the challenge of rapid bacterial growth and cell death, we explored bioprinting of bacterial biofilms on the air interface of human lung cells. To study the penetration of nano-antibiotics into native human hair follicles after topical administration for treating severe skin infections, like e.g. acne inversa, we developed a 3D-printed organ culture