Human Epidermal Equivalents on Nonwoven Scaffolds: A Model of Tissue Formation in an Artificial Environment

The generation of epithelial equivalents at air-liquid interface on commercially available membrane inserts is currently a routine procedure. However, producing similar equivalents on voluminous polymeric scaffolds, especially those made from novel materials, can be challenging, as newly developed materials are often difficult to maintain. An adequate culture system design may be of decisive importance for such an approach. Here, we describe the generation/growing of epidermal equivalents on nonwoven (electro-spun) scaffolds that are getting increasing attention and application in skin bioengineering.