3D skin model launched as alternative to animal testing
The new model has been proposed by Marine Norlunc, biology project manager at Syntivia, and was unveiled at the centre Pierre Poitier in Toulouse earlier this summer.
The model is being positioned as an alternative for preclinical toxicological testing methods, and answers to EU laws that are completely phasing out the testing of all cosmetic ingredients on animals.
Model developed as an alternative testing method
The team at Syntivia says that its 3D skin model was developed in answer to the problems that the only OECD approved alternative to animal testing is a reconstructed epidermis.
The development team set about the project with the aim of giving cosmetic companies more effective and easier to use choices, and teamed up with ITAV Institute for Advanced Life Science and Toulouse Tech Transfer to get the project off the ground.
According to the team, the project resulted in the creation and validation of a new and completely characterized epidermis model that is perfectly functional for in-vitro studies.
Constructed from the two major skin cells
“The unique 3D skin model is composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes, the two major cell types found in the epidermis. The epidermal spheroid is closer to the microenvironment of human skin than 2D monolayer cultures and less complicated in use than reconstructed skin and human skin biopsies,” a communication about the launch stated.
According to the development team the model provides a very good model to study melanogenesis, providing an enhanced view of melanin transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes within the spheroid.
Within just seven days that epidermal spheroid has reproduced to replicate the organization and functionality of the human epedermis, ultimately reproducing both the corneal layer.
The researchers say that the end result is a a good alternative to a reconstructed epidermis that is easier to produce, less expensive and gives a full phsyiological response.
