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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Novel High-Throughput Ex Vivo Ovine Skin Wound Model for Testing Emerging Antibiotics
Published on: September 16, 2022
Ex vivo skin infection model
Evelina Rubinchik1, Christopher Pasetka
1MIGENIX Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Abstract:
Over the past decade, the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics has necessitated the discovery and development of new antimicrobial therapies. This chapter describes a skin infection model that is based on the use of excised skin derived from the domestic pig. The model conditions mimic the environment of human skin and efficiently support the growth of clinically relevant bacterial and fungal species, thus making it useful for evaluating the activity of antimicrobial peptides and other antibiotics as well as their respective formulations.
Insights
A novel pig skin model effectively simulates human skin infections, aiding the evaluation of new antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising antibiotic resistance necessitates novel antimicrobial therapies.
- Development of effective antimicrobial agents requires relevant preclinical models.
- Evaluating new treatments for skin infections is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel ex vivo skin infection model.
- To assess the utility of the model for evaluating antimicrobial agents.
- To provide a platform for testing new antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides.
Main Methods:
- Utilized excised domestic pig skin.
- Replicated human skin environmental conditions.
- Inoculated with clinically relevant bacterial and fungal species.
Main Results:
- The model supported the growth of target microorganisms.
- Conditions mimicked the human skin environment.
- Demonstrated suitability for antimicrobial efficacy testing.
Conclusions:
- Excised pig skin provides a viable model for studying skin infections.
- This model is effective for evaluating antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics.
- The model facilitates the assessment of antimicrobial formulations.

