Product name
Three-dimensional in vitro human Skin Test System from Fraunhofer Institute IGBSummary
3D human skin model with primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes can be used to study penetration, irritation, biocompatibility and wound healing, infections, melanomaOrganization name
Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik (IGB)Profile
Challenge
The living skin equivalent, a three-dimensional organotypic model, has been widely used to investigate many aspects of cutaneous biology. Reconstructed human skin equivalents are models that most closely mimic normal human skin. The major requirements for skin penetration screening is the presence of a competent skin barrier. In native skin the first barrier function is carried out by the outside layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. The second barrier is the basement membrane. In studies with skin equivalent cultures, it has become evident that these two barrier functions are involved.
This model can also represent an alternative to animal testing. A wide variety of endpoints can be used with the skin equivalent, including cell viability, the release of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1 and PGE-2, permeation rate and metabolism of substances, proliferation and biochemical changes.
Technology
The development of a skin model requires firstly the isolation and growth of dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes from human bioptic tissues. The construction of the dermal part results from dermal fibroblasts, which are embedded into a bio-matrix from tissue-typical matrix proteins; this builds the scaffold for of the seeded keratinocytes.
During a three-week period of culture in a special growth media and under special culture conditions these keratinocytes undergo a differentiation to a multilayer epidermis with stratum basale, spinosum granulosum and stratum corneum.
Commercial Opportunity
The basic model is very flexible and can be adapted to specific needs through expansion by adding cells such as melanocytes, melanoma cells or microvascular endothelial cells.
The 3D human skin model with primary fibroblasts, primary keratinocytes can be used as a model to study the penetration and irritation and also for testing the biocompatibility (accredited laboratory according to DIN ISO 10993-5). For further investigations we use this model for wound healing studies, melanoma and infection research. The use of the organ typical cell cultures hereby replaces partially animal testing. Corresponding clinical application studies are still to be carried out.
Developmental Status
The technology of cellular expansion with endothelial cells has been established. The validation of the irritation potential of substances is ongoing.
Patent Situation
1. Dreidimensionales Hautmodell; DE 100 62 623.
2. THREE-DIMENSIONAL SKIN MODEL; EP 1 290 145
Contact
Fraunhofer IGB
Dr. Michaela Weimer
weimer(at)igb.fraunhofer.de
About Fraunhofer IGB
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB offers R&D solutions in the fields of health, environment and technology. Their competences comprise interfacial engineering and membrane technology as well as biotechnology, cell biology and bioprocess engineering. They offer solutions from market analysis through research & development till the finished product.
Description File
In_vitro_human_Skin_Test_System.pdf
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