LabCyte : Human 3-Dimentional Cultured Tissue Model
J-TEC has applied our techniques for culturing epidermis to develop a cultured human epidermal models for research use, named LabCyte EPI-MODEL (human 3-dimensional cultured epidermal model), LabCyte MELANO-MODEL (human 3-dimensional keratinocyte and meranocyte co-cultured epidermal model) and LabCyte CORNEA-MODEL (human 3-dimensional corneal epithelial model). These models can be used in the development of drugs for external use and cosmetics, as well as for all forms of research that make use of skin and cornea.
Culture
The LabCyte EPI-MODEL and MELANO-MODEL are produced by culturing human epidermal cells on a culture plate. After human epidermal cells have been cultured and proliferated, exposing their surface to the air causes it to keratinize*, creating a cultured epidermis model similar to the human epidermis (Figures A and B).
*Keratinization: The epidermal cells differentiate, losing their nuclei and intracellular organelles, and the interior of the cell is filled with aggregated keratin fibers. They become tough structures, both physically and chemically, that serve a barrier function against the external environment.
Clinical utilities
These models can be used as an alternative to animal testing, and offer a useful tool for the development of drugs or cosmetics applicable to human skin and cornea; basic dermatological and ophthalmic research; safety research on raw materials for chemical products; and other uses.
Examples of Application
- Skin metabolic studies
Experiments to investigate how substances are metabolized by skin enzymes, basic research on skin tissue, etc.
- Skin irritation test
Experiments to investigate whether chemical substances cause skin irritation, safety experiments on drugs, cosmetics, etc.
- Percutaneous absorption test
Experiments to investigate whether chemical substances can permeate the skin, or to find out whether drugs or cosmetics infiltrate the skin.
- Skin corrosion test
Experiments to investigate the safety of chemical substances, studies of the safety of substance handling in chemical companies, etc.
- Other types of research using skin
In future, our lineup will also include cultured skin that includes the dermal layer, as well as skin models that incorporate melanocytes for use in research on melanin, which causes pigmented spots and sunburn.
- Eye irritation test
Experiments to investigate whether chemical substances cause eye irritation, safety experiments on drugs, cosmetics, etc.