Artificially grown, animal-free skin models are an important tool for simulating the effects of different conditions on epidermal tissues. In order to effectively culture such models, researchers must successfully induce keratinocytes to differentiate into the various layers of epidermis, requiring direct exposure to air as well as culture media that is used to support cell growth and differentiation.
Relevant applications and testing protocols:
The Thermo Scientific Nunc Cell Culture Insert System offers a highly reliable, effective and efficient solution for culturing 3D epidermal skin models used in numerous applications—from skin care product testing to clinical screening of compounds and formulations.
The system for growing 3D skin tissue models includes:
The Nunc Cell Culture Insert System offers an effective method for culturing 3D skin epidermal tissue. The adjustable-height capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Nunc Carrier Plate simplify the experimental protocol, extending feeding intervals and saving time and labor in the process.
Initial experiments on cell attachment and expansion indicate that Nunc Cell Culture Inserts are an excellent growth substrate for human epidermal keratinocytes.
In the image below, the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain shows the stratification of the epidermal skin model cultured using the Nunc Cell Culture Insert System.
Dimensions given represent the height of the growth surface of the cell culture insert from the interior bottom of the well. Dimensions in figure are rounded to the tenth of a millimeter.
We took advantage of the versatility of the carrier plate and tested different insert hanging positions, and corresponding increases in media volume, for different media change intervals of every 2, 3 or 4 days. This figure shows H&E stains of stratified skin model tissue after 12 days of air-liquid interface culture with media changes at varying intervals in carrier plates that suspended inserts above the wells at three different hanging heights. The higher hanging position with longer intervals worked as effectively as the lower hanging position with shorter intervals, saving time and labor during the skin tissue establishment.
A) Low hanging position: 0.5mL media per well, fed every 2 days.
B) Middle hanging position: 1.0mL media per well, fed every 3 days.
C) High hanging position: 1.5mL media per well, fed every 4 days.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
