The EpiDermFT™ Skin Model

EpiDermFT-Specific Features:

• Human 3-D Skin-Like Structure – Epidermis & Dermis
  * Normal, Human-Derived Epidermal Keratinocytes
  * Normal, Human-Derived Dermal Fibroblasts
  * In Vivo-Like Lipid Profile
  * All In Vivo Cermides Present
  * Broad-Narrow-Broad Lamellar Spacing
• Well Developed Basement Membrane
• Ideal for Keratin Gene Expression, Photo-Damage, Wound Healing, Keratinocyte/Fibroblast Signaling and Integrin Signaling Studies

General MatTek Tissue Features:

• Unsurpassed Long-Term Tissue Reproducibility -
  Lot-to-Lot, Year-to-Year
• 3-Dimensional, Highly Differentiated Tissues
• Metabolically, Mitotically Active Tissues
• Produced from Normal (Non-Transformed) Human Cells - Ideal for Genomics Studies
• Produced in Easily Handled Cell Culture Inserts
• Grown in Completely Serum-Free Media System
• Quantifiable, Objective Test Endpoints
• Cost Effective Alternative to Animal and Human Clinical Testing
• List of Contract Testing Labs Qualified to Run MatTek Tissue-Based Tests Available

NOTE: Link to EpiDermFT Technical Specifications

The EpiDermFT Full Thickness Skin Model

To enable in vitro study of dermal phenomena in which fibroblast-keratinocyte cell interactions (paracrine signaling) are important, MatTek has developed EpiDermFT, a full thickness skin model. MatTek's EpiDermFT System consists of normal, human-derived epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal, human-derived dermal Fibroblasts (NHFB) which have been cultured to form a multilayered, highly differentiated model of the human dermis and epidermis. The NHEK and NHFB, which are cultured on specially prepared cell culture inserts using serum free medium, attain levels of differentiation on the cutting edge of in vitro skin technology. Ultrastructurally, the EpiDermFT Skin Model closely parallels human skin, thus providing a useful in vitro means to assess dermal irritancy and toxicology.

The EpiDermFT Full Thickness Skin Model exhibits in vivo-like morphological and growth characteristics which are uniform and highly reproducible.

EpiDermFT consists of organized basal, spinous, granular, and cornified epidermal layers analogous to those found in vivo. The dermal compartment is composed of a collagen matrix containing viable normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF).

EpiDermFT is mitotically and metabolically active. Markers of mature epidermis-specific differentiation such as pro-filaggrin, the K1/K10 cytokeratin pair, involucrin, and type I epidermal transglutaminase have been localized in the model.

Ultrastructural analysis has revealed the presence of keratohyalin granules, tonofilament bundles, desmosomes, and a multi-layered stratum corneum containing intercellular lamellar lipid layers arranged in patterns characteristic of in vivo epidermis.

A well-developed basement membrane is present at the dermal/epidermal junction. Hemidesomosomes, lamina lucida, lamina densa and anchoring fibril structures are evident by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis shows the presence of basement membrane structural and signaling proteins including collagen IV, Laminin, collagen VII and integrin α6.

Various industrial and toxicology laboratories are actively seeking alternatives to whole animal testing. Cosmetic, household product, pharmaceutical and petrochemical companies have initiated in vitro toxicology testing to evaluate their raw materials and final product formulations. A growing body of data indicates that EpiDermFT effectively provides a non-animal means to assess dermal toxicology and skin research issues.

The protocols for using the EpiDermFT System are clear and straightforward. EpiDermFT has been utilized with several common tests of cytotoxicity and irritancy, including MTT, IL-la, PGE₂, MMP-1 and apoptosis. Technicians find EpiDermFT's rigid substrate design easier to handle in routine repetitive testing environments and scientists find that they are able to perform discriminating tests due to low background interference.

Figure 2: TEM of EpiDerm-FT Basement Membrane. Higher magnification TEM shows finer detail of basement membrane structure: Lamina Densa (------------>) Hemidesmosome (>) Anchoring fibril (->) Tonofilament (------>) Note the anchoring fibrils beneath the lamina densa and tonofilament association with hemidesmosomes.

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Please Also Review:

Guide to In Vitro Tissue Model Basics

EpiDermFT Specification Sheet

EpiDermFT Technical References