[Epithelium transplantation with cultivated keratinocytes]

Efforts for a skin substitute from cultured cells have been made since many years. Epidermal cells are able to proliferate in culture vessels under strictly defined culture conditions. The gained expanded epithelial layer can be used as transplant. The culture methods of Green and Eisinger are discussed. In the last couple of years in vitro expanded epithelium was used as wound coverage, especially for major burns. Autologous transplanted epithelium is accepted perfectly under optimal wound bed conditions. Reports on the acceptance of allogenic transplanted cultivated keratinocytes are contradictory, possibly so far unidentified antigens are responsible for the rejection. To optimize the skin substitute keratinocytes can be cultured on different mesenchymal substrates. Possibly epidermal appendages can be included in the future.