About

Dr. Paul Bigliardi is a Professor and Director of the Dermato-Allergy Division in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on building the Dermato-Allergy Division, emphasizing the diagnosis and management of various allergic conditions such as contact dermatitis, food, and drug allergies and intolerances. His research encompasses clinical and translational studies, including novel designs and executions of clinical trials related to skin, allergy, and wound healing, as well as the integration of innovative non-invasive laser devices like Raman spectroscopy and photoacoustics MSOT to study healthy and diseased skin in humans. His scientific interests extend to skin toxicology and transcutaneous absorption, where he combines in-vitro human 3D skin models with in-vivo studies using laser technologies to evaluate skin toxicology, absorption, and metabolism of compounds, utilizing CRISPR technology and 3D printing. Dr. Bigliardi's work in allergology and immunology investigates drug-induced allergies, microbiome interactions, ethnic differences in allergic reactions, and the impact of pollution on skin immune responses. He is also a key opinion leader in peripheral opioid receptor research and neurodermatology, discovering the opioid receptor system in skin and exploring its effects on sensation, nerve regeneration, skin homeostasis, and tumor growth. His research includes the role of the peripheral nervous system and neuropeptides in skin sensation, wound healing, and skin cell interactions, employing co-culture models, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and proteomics. Additionally, he studies wound healing processes, biofilms, microbiomes, scar formation, and the development of novel wound dressings and devices for photobiology and hair biology, aiming to advance understanding and treatment of skin conditions.

Research topics

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Neuroscience
• Medicine
• Genetics
• Organic chemistry
• Cell biology

Selected publications

• The Clinical Impact of Antibiotic Allergy Labels on One‐Year Outcomes of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

  Clinical Transplantation · 2026-03-01

  articleOpen access

  Antibiotic allergy labels (AALs) are common and often incorrect. They have many potential impacts, including the use of broader-spectrum antibiotics and suboptimal treatment of infections. The impact of inaccurate allergy labels on post-transplant outcomes in the solid organ transplant population is not well described. We performed a retrospective review of 2,373 consecutive solid organ transplants occurring between 2011 and 2021, to analyze the impact of AALs, specifically penicillin, on outcomes in the first year after transplantation. Three hundred and twenty-two patients (13.6%) had a penicillin allergy label, while 572 patients (24%) had at least one antibiotic allergy label. Patients with a penicillin allergy label were more likely to have a positive Clostridioides difficile test (p = 0.021). Patients with allergy labels also had significantly more utilization of alternative antimicrobial agents (p < 0.001) and longer inpatient hospital durations (p = 0.013). This study suggests that AALs may be a risk factor for inferior outcomes after solid organ transplantation and could represent a modifiable target for pre-transplant optimization.

  PublisherDOI

• The use of therapeutic exosomes for <i>in vivo</i> wound healing

  Cell Transplantation · 2026-02-20

  articleOpen access

  Normal wound healing is a complex, yet critical process. Unfortunately, delayed or impaired wound healing presents a significant burden for numerous patients worldwide. Recent research has demonstrated that exosomes, a subtype of extracellular vesicles, may play a pivotal role in mediating cell-cell communication during wound healing. This narrative review aims to explore the use of exosomes in wound healing, with a focus on in vivo application of exosomes in animal wound models. A total of 73 studies are outlined in this narrative review, exploring either excisional, diabetic, burn, ischemic, or pressure wounds. Overall, the most frequent source of exosomes was adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the most common application method was local or subcutaneous injection. While these studies demonstrated great promise for the use of exosomes for therapeutic use in wound healing, this review also discusses the challenges and obstacles that will need to be overcome, including standardizing methods, further characterizing exosomes and identifying the optimal sources and doses in the development of exosome therapies.

  PublisherDOI

• Objective Assessment of Allergic Patch Test Reactions: Evaluation of a 3D Imaging System Versus Standard iPad Imaging for Patch Test Reactions

  Dermatitis · 2026-02-17

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract: Background: Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing contact allergies, but its diagnostic accuracy can be influenced by subjective visual assessment and variability in measurement using 2D imaging systems. Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy of the Iko Derma Monitor 3D imaging system in comparison to a standard clinic iPad for patch test reaction evaluation. Methods: Forty-two patients undergoing patch testing were included, yielding 293 evaluated reactions. Reactions were imaged on day 2 and day 4 using the Iko Derma Monitor, an iPad, and a handheld dermatoscope. Measurements of lesion area were compared across imaging modalities, and statistical tests were conducted to assess changes over time and accuracy differences between the Iko Derma Monitor and iPad. Results: The 3D imaging device demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than the iPad when compared to the dermatoscope as the reference standard ( P &lt; 0.001). Both devices detected significant changes in lesion area over time, but the 3D device provided more consistent and sensitive measurements. Conclusion: The Iko Derma Monitor 3D camera offers superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to iPad-based imaging for patch test reactions. Its ability to standardize documentation may improve diagnostic precision and expand access to remote or underserved populations.

  PublisherDOI

• 64567 Quantitative evaluation of disease activity and hair counts pre- and post-allergy testing in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris

  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2025-09-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis Obscured by Secondary Changes in Setting of Stimulant Use

  Dermatitis · 2025-08-08

  article
  PublisherDOI

• 0114 Integrating clinical controls in convolutional neural networks for prick test classification

  Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2025-07-21

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Objective Assessment of Allergic Patch Test Reactions: Evaluation of a 3D Imaging System Versus Standard iPad Imaging for Patch Test Reactions

  2025-05-26

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  Background : Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing contact allergies, but its diagnostic accuracy can be influenced by subjective visual assessment and variability in measurement. Advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D imaging, may provide more reliable and objective methods for evaluating allergic reactions. Objective : This study evaluated the accuracy of the Iko Derma Monitor 3D imaging system in comparison to a standard clinic iPad for patch test reaction evaluation and to assess its potential advantages in documenting and interpreting allergic reactions. Methods : Forty-two patients undergoing patch testing for suspected contact allergy were included in this study, resulting in 293 evaluated reactions. Reactions were imaged on day 2 and day 4 using the Iko Derma Monitor, an iPad, and a handheld dermatoscope. Measurements of lesion area were summarized and compared across imaging modalities, and statistical tests were conducted to assess changes over time and accuracy difference between Iko Derma Monitor and iPad. Results : The 3D imaging device demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than the iPad when compared to the dermatoscope as the gold standard (p &lt; 0.001). Both devices detected significant changes in lesion area over time, but the 3D device provided more consistent and sensitive measurements. T Conclusion : The Iko Derma Monitor 3D camera offers superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to iPad-based imaging for patch test reactions. This technology has the potential to improve diagnostic precision, particularly to distinguish irritant from borderline allergic reactions. Moreover, it may be useful in remote or underserved areas for enhancing access to patch testing and building the background for objective AI based evaluations.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• LB1046 Functionality of novel handheld 3D imaging system for the measurement of pigmented lesions

  Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2025-07-21

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Contact allergic dermatitis to skin adhesive after CIED upgrade procedure

  Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology · 2024-10-15

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: The utilization of skin adhesives for closure is typically secondary to its noninvasive application and aesthetic benefits. Allergic reactions to Dermabond™ can occur, though there are no reported cases in pediatric patients following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. The allergic reaction to skin glues is typically to cyanoacrylates, the primary component of Dermabond™. METHODS AND RESULTS: This report describes severe allergic contact dermatitis due to sensitization to cyanoacrylate in an 18-year-old with repaired congenital heart disease and postoperative atrioventricular block following CIED upgrade procedure. CONCLUSION: This demonstrates the importance of prompt diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, which can be confused with local infections.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Atopic Dermatitis: Challenges and Future Opportunities: the 4 th Davos Declaration

  2024-03-26 · 3 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Aim: The 4th Davos Declaration, convened during the Global Allergy Forum (GAF) in Davos, aimed to elevate patient care for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by uniting experts and stakeholders. The forum addressed the high prevalence of AD, with a strategic focus on advancing research, treatment, and management to meet the evolving challenges in the field. Methods: This multidisciplinary forum brought together top leaders from research, clinical practice, policy, and patient advocacy to discuss the critical aspects of AD, including neuroimmunology, environmental factors, comorbidities, and breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The discussions were geared towards fostering a collaborative approach to integrate these advancements into practical, patient-centric care. Results The forum underlined the mounting burden of AD, attributing it to significant environmental and lifestyle changes. It acknowledged the progress in understanding AD and in developing targeted therapies but recognized a gap in translating these innovations into clinical practice. Emphasis was placed on the need for enhanced awareness, education, and stakeholder engagement to address this gap effectively and to consider environmental and lifestyle factors in a comprehensive disease management strategy. Conclusion: The 4th Davos Declaration marks a significant milestone in the journey to improve care for people with AD. By promoting a holistic approach that combines research, education, and clinical application, the Forum sets a roadmap for stakeholders to work together to improve patient outcomes in AD, reflecting a commitment to adapt and respond to the dynamic challenges of AD in a changing world.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Mei Bigliardi‐Qi

  University of Minnesota

  197 shared

• Yuri Dancik

  Simcyp (United Kingdom)

  88 shared

• Gopu Sriram

  National University of Singapore

  85 shared

• Bhimsen Rout

  Singapore Polytechnic

  63 shared

• Srinivas Ramasamy

  Agency for Science, Technology and Research

  43 shared

• Christine Neumann

  Heidelberg University

  30 shared

• Ying Zou

  Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University

  28 shared

• Ruige Wu

  26 shared