Method for producing a skin equivalent, and use thereof for in vitro tests and in vivo transplants

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a skin equivalent, comprising the following steps: a) producing a dermal matrix containing a first layer and a second layer, comprising the steps of i)providing the first layer; ii) providing a polymerizable solution, comprising a liquid and at least one polymer selected from collagen, elastin, and / or hyaluronic acid; iii) adding the polymerizable solution to the first layer; iv) polymerizing the solution in order to form the second layer; v) compressing the second layer, wherein, as a result of the compressing, the liquid content of the secondlayer is reduced and the first layer and the second layer are joined in order to form the dermal matrix; b) inserting at least one hair follicle and / or hair follicle germ into the at least one cavityof the dermal matrix produced in step a) in order to produce a skin surrogate; and c) adding at least one further cell population selected from fibroblasts, endothelial cells, adipocytes, nerve cells,glandular cells, melanocytes, or keratinocytes to the skin surrogate in order to produce the skin equivalent.

Description

Background technique [0001] The skin is the interface between the body and its environment. It is the first critical barrier against potentially harmful external influences such as mechanical loads or invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. The importance of the skin to human health becomes especially evident when the skin's self-regenerating capacity is no longer sufficient to maintain this protection. This is especially true in patients with chronic or extensive acute wounds, as occurs in the case of injuries such as burns. These conditions have a considerable impact on quality of life and can even be fatal if these wounds are not treated adequately to allow the skin to regenerate. [0002] It is well known that, in addition to the possibility to regenerate damaged skin, in particular artificial skin equivalents likewise containing hair follicles can also be used for the therapeutic treatment of different forms of alopecia or baldness. [0003] Furthermore, there is a need...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In particular, the implantation of hair follicles, adipose tissue and vascular supply of artificial skin has so far yielded only unsatisfactory results

Furthermore, to date, it has not been possible to produce such artificial skins on a large scale, as currently high-throughput methods for such products are still limited.

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