[Tridimensional skin models recording percutaneous absorption]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology
• In vitro testing

Background:

• Lack of validated alternatives to animal testing for percutaneous absorption.
• Need for reliable reconstructed human epidermis models to assess skin penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare barrier function of three reconstructed epidermis models (Episkintrade mark, EpiDermtrade mark, Skinethictrade mark) against human skin.
• Evaluate batch-to-batch variation in these models.
• Assess potential as alternatives for percutaneous absorption studies.

Main Methods:

• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.
• Prednisolone (PD) penetration assays.
• Comparison with excised human skin.
• Batch-to-batch variation analysis.

Main Results:

• Skinethictrade mark exhibited superior barrier function (lower PD penetration, 150 ng/ml) compared to EpiDermtrade mark (300 ng/ml).
• Episkintrade mark showed the poorest barrier function (500 ng/ml PD penetration).
• Skinethictrade mark demonstrated better batch-to-batch reproducibility than human skin.
• Human skin had the lowest TEWL (9 g·m-2·h-1) and undetectable PD levels.

Conclusions:

• Skinethictrade mark shows significant promise as a reliable in vitro model for percutaneous absorption evaluation.
• Its superior barrier function and reproducibility make it a viable alternative to animal testing.
• Further research into human skin equivalents for percutaneous absorption is warranted.