In Vitro Innovation: What is the Future of Skin Microbiome Analysis?
- Shalindri Jayawardene
- Jun 11
- 2 min read

Studying the skin microbiome poses unique challenges, primarily due to the complexity of replicating its intricate environment in vitro. Recent innovations are addressing these limitations, enabling more precise, ethical and impactful microbiome research.
What We Know:
Skin microbiome research aims to uncover microbial traits and community dynamics associated with specific conditions or changes, providing a foundation for understanding host-microbe interactions. Microbes, highly sensitive to their environment, can serve as biomarkers for skin health, disease differentiation or treatment optimisation. These studies advance our knowledge of skin biology and support therapeutic innovation (Grogan et al., 2019).
Despite their value, many skin microbes are difficult to culture due to the complexity of the skin environment and the limitations of existing techniques. As a result, culture independent methods like 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics are widely used. These approaches analyse microbial DNA directly from samples, bypassing the need for cultivation (Grogan et al., 2019).
While effective at profiling microbial ratios, culture-independent methods often lack insight into molecular interactions among microbes and with their host. A multi-omics approach - integrating metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics and lipidomics - offers a more comprehensive way to study these complex interactions (Grogan et al., 2019).
Industry Impact and Potential:
A significant advancement in skin microbiome research is the TUS Skin Bacteria Co-culture (TSBC) medium, introduced by Yamamoto et al. (2024). This system enables the in vitro study of four key skin microbes - Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. capitis, Cutibacterium acnes and Corynebacterium - by mimicking the skin’s natural environment.
The TSBC medium has shown microbial ratios similar to those on Japanese skin, demonstrating its potential for broader applications. It facilitates research into how microbiota respond to internal factors, such as physiological changes, and external influences like skincare products (Yamamoto et al., 2024).
Together, culture-independent methods like metagenomic sequencing and culture-dependent systems like TSBC provide complementary tools for skin microbiome exploration. These advances open avenues for uncovering molecular interactions, developing targeted treatments, and enhancing personalized skincare solutions.
Our Solution:
Sequential is at the forefront of microbiome product testing and development, offering tailored solutions to help businesses innovate microbiome-focused products. Our expertise includes advanced culture-independent methods such as shotgun metagenomic sequencing, 16S rRNA profiling and ITS profiling, customised for diverse research needs. Whether exploring the skin, oral, scalp or vulvar microbiomes, Sequential is your ideal partner in unlocking the potential of microbiome research.
References:
Grogan, M.D., Bartow-McKenney, C., Flowers, L., Knight, S.A.B., Uberoi, A. & Grice, E.A. (2019) Research Techniques Made Simple: Profiling the Skin Microbiota. The Journal of investigative dermatology. 139 (4), 747-752.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2019.01.024.
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