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.

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