Introducing realistic artificial skin.
For the first time, researchers have successfully created artificial skin capable of replacing animal skin in pharmaceutical and cosmetic trials.
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| Researchers have unveiled an artificial epidermis with a structure and function similar to the outermost layer of real skin. (Illustration: Health News) |
British and American scientists have been able to create 1cm wide patches of epidermis – the top layer of skin – from stem cells. These artificial skin patches possess the same characteristics as natural skin.
The epidermis forms a protective barrier between the organism's body and the external environment, preventing water loss while also resisting the penetration of microorganisms and harmful substances. Until recently, tissue bioengineers were unable to produce epidermis with similar functions for pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing.
In a new study, British and American experts first created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) by altering the genetic characteristics of fibroblasts in mature connective tissue. These iPS cells possess the same characteristics as embryonic stem cells, including the ability to develop into any type of tissue in the body.
A sequential process in the laboratory transformed iPS cells into keratinocytes—the type of cell that predominates in the outermost layer of the skin—and then into actual patches of skin.
The research team calls this their 3D epidermal replica. Test results showed no structural or functional differences between the artificial skin and real human skin.
Scientists believe that, in the future, artificial skin could be used to test liquid or cream medications or cosmetics without harming animals. Animal testing of cosmetics is currently banned in the UK. Last month, the European Union (EU) also banned the import or trade of any products containing ingredients tested on animals.
In addition, artificial skin is also expected to serve as a test sample for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
According to vietnamnet
