A pigmented full-thickness human skin model for long-term studies
2021
Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
In this study, a human fibroblast-derived matrix was combined with an inert polystyrene scaffold for the development of a fully human dermis capable of supporting a differentiated epidermis. To produce a pigmented full-thickness skin model, a coculture with keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts was established. The model exhibits in-vivo-like characteristics, including a well-differentiated and organized epidermis and reproducible pigmentation. The integrity of the skin barrier was evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance measurements. The co-culture of primary human keratinocytes resulted in a terminally differentiated skin equivalent that could maintain its architecture and homeostasis for up to 50 days.
The developed fully human full-thickness skin model has the potential to replace animal models in long-term studies of skin diseases and safety and efficacy assessment of novel drugs. Moreover, the presence of active melanocytes qualifies this model as a platform to study skin pigmentation disorders.
Pigmented full-thickness human skin model based on a fibroblast-derived matrix for long-term studies
Abel Oliva
Added on: 04-21-2022
[1] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ten.tec.2021.0069
