Reconstructed Scalp Model Using Interfollicular Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reconstructed skin models are not suitable for studying the scalp due to differences in structure and function compared to human body skin, particularly lacking the characteristics of the scalp such as thicker epidermis, disorganized stratum corneum, high hair follicle activity, intense sebaceous gland production, and high sweat gland activity, which are essential for evaluating cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dermatological products.

Innovation Solution

A reconstructed scalp model is developed by culturing interfollicular scalp cells on a dermal equivalent, specifically using collagen lattices or sponges with interfollicular scalp fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which replicates the expression of involucrin and keratin K10 in the granular layers, mimicking the in vivo scalp.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reconstructed skin models are used for studying scalp, then general skin structure is reproduced, but specific scalp characteristics (thicker epidermis, disorganized stratum corneum, high hair follicle activity, intense sebaceous gland production, high sweat gland activity) are not reproduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability for scalp-specific studiesVSAvoidadaptability to scalp-specific characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using scalp-specific fibroblasts and keratinocytes from the scalp region to reconstruct tissue with locally appropriate characteristics. The dermal equivalent is populated with scalp-derived fibroblasts, and the epidermal equivalent is formed with scalp-derived keratinocytes, ensuring the reconstructed tissue exhibits scalp-specific properties such as thicker epidermis, disorganized stratum corneum, and appropriate hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and sweat gland activity patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If dermal papilla cells or ORS cells are used to reconstruct skin, then ease of cell production is improved, but accuracy of scalp tissue characteristics deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cell productionVSAvoidaccuracy of scalp tissue characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cell source parameter from general skin cells (dermal papilla or ORS cells) to scalp-specific interfollicular cells. This parameter change results in reconstructed tissue that accurately reflects scalp characteristics including proper expression patterns of involucrin and keratin K10 in the granular layers, appropriate stratum corneum organization, and correct thickness of epidermal and dermal layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If standard reconstructed skin models are used, then general skin barrier function is reproduced, but scalp-specific barrier properties (thicker stratum corneum, disorganized structure) are not reproduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability for barrier function studiesVSAvoidmeasurement precision of scalp-specific barrier properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using scalp-specific fibroblasts and keratinocytes to reconstruct tissue with locally appropriate characteristics. The dermal equivalent is populated with scalp-derived fibroblasts, and the epidermal equivalent is formed with scalp-derived keratinocytes, ensuring the reconstructed tissue exhibits scalp-specific properties such as thicker epidermis, disorganized stratum corneum, and appropriate hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and sweat gland activity patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Manufacturing precision

If reconstructed skin models with proper differentiation are used, then epidermal layer formation is improved, but expression of scalp-specific markers (involucrin and keratin K10 in granular layers) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepidermal layer formationVSAvoidreliability for scalp-specific marker expression

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10281457B2Reconstructed scalp model and process for screening active molecules

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a reconstructed scalp model, to the process for preparing it and to its use for evaluating the effect of cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological topical products. The reconstructed scalp according to the invention may also be used for the preparation of the grafts intended for treating cutaneous scalp disorders.