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Modified methods for growing 3-D skin equivalents: an update
Rebecca Lamb1, Carrie A Ambler
1School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 28, 2013
Summary
Researchers present updated methods for creating artificial epidermis in vitro. These 3D skin equivalents utilize de-vitalized, de-epidermalized dermis substrates for improved skin biology studies and industrial testing.
Area of Science:
- Tissue engineering
- Dermatology
- In vitro modeling
Background:
- Artificial epidermis (skin equivalents) are crucial for studying skin biology and for drug/cosmetic testing.
- Current methods for creating skin equivalents require optimization for efficiency and reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe updated methods for generating 3-dimensional (3D) skin equivalents.
- To detail the use of de-vitalized, de-epidermalized dermis (DED) as a substrate for skin equivalent construction.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of DED substrates from dermal tissue.
- Seeding of primary epidermal cells (keratinocytes) onto DED substrates.
- Cultivation of skin equivalents at the air-liquid interface, including optimized growth conditions and fixation procedures.
Main Results:
- Successful reconstitution of artificial epidermis using the described methods.
- Demonstration of a robust protocol for DED substrate preparation and cell culture.
- Validation of the developed methods for generating 3D skin equivalents.
Conclusions:
- The updated methods provide a reliable protocol for generating 3D skin equivalents using DED substrates.
- These advancements facilitate more accurate in vitro skin biology research and industrial applications.
- The described techniques enhance the utility of artificial epidermis models for various scientific and commercial purposes.
