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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

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Generation of a Three-dimensional Full Thickness Skin Equivalent and Automated Wounding
Published on: February 26, 2015
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Preparation of a Three-Dimensional Full Thickness Skin Equivalent
Christian Reuter1, Heike Walles1,2, Florian Groeber3
1Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 22, 2017
Summary
Three-dimensional in vitro skin models, or full-thickness skin equivalents (FTSE), offer a more predictive alternative to animal testing for dermatological research. This guide details FTSE generation and culture, including troubleshooting for common issues.
Area of Science:
- Dermatological research
- In vitro testing systems
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- In vitro test systems using human cells offer alternatives to animal models.
- Three-dimensional cell arrangements enhance predictive accuracy for human conditions.
- Skin models, including epidermal and full-thickness skin equivalents (FTSE), are vital in dermatological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the generation and culture of full-thickness skin equivalents (FTSE).
- To provide troubleshooting tips for common technical challenges in FTSE generation.
- To highlight the utility of FTSE in complex dermatological investigations.
Main Methods:
- Generation of full-thickness skin equivalents (FTSE) using a collagen type I matrix.
- Culture of FTSE to promote cellular interactions and tissue development.
- Standardized protocols for in vitro skin model creation.
Main Results:
- Successful generation and culture of FTSE are achievable.
- FTSE models enable investigation of dermal-epidermal cellular crosstalk.
- Troubleshooting guidance addresses common technical problems in FTSE production.
Conclusions:
- Full-thickness skin equivalents (FTSE) represent advanced in vitro models for dermatological research.
- FTSE facilitate the study of complex biological processes like wound healing and infectious diseases.
- This chapter provides a practical guide for researchers using or developing FTSE.

