Weimer M., Mertsching H., Brunner H.
Fraunhofer Institute of Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, DE
Keywords: 3D organoid skin model, carbon nanotubes, melanoma, test system
We established a tissue engineered 3D human skin model. This interactive 3D-co-cultre consists of living human primary keratinocytes with a well-differentiated stratum corneum and an epidermal layer. The dermal layer is composed of a Type I collagen scaffold interspersed with living human dermal fibroblasts. This primary cells form a skin equivalent which is phenotypically similar to in vivo human skin. With this co-culture it is possible to determine interactions of single cell populations with the surrounding scaffold. It is also a suitable model for testing a wide variety of endpoints including cell viability, the release of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1 and PGE-2, permeation rate and metabolism of substances, proliferation and biochemical changes.
The purpose of developing such a tissue engineered 3 D skin model is to evaluate organ specific influences of materials and nanomaterials on cellular level. First experiments to analyse the biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes are performed and results will be shown. Further applications of such skin models are analysing new developed nanomaterials with the aim of considerably reducing or replacing tests on animals as demanded with the OECD Test Guideline 428A.
Future emphasis of our work is the establishment of different test systems to investigate wound healing, melanoma research and infection biology
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 152 - 154
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3