An international team led by SFVAMC developed the first lab-grown epidermis. The new epidermis, grown from human pluripotent stem cells, offers a cost-effective alternative lab model for testing drugs and cosmetics. It could also help to develop new therapies for skin disorders.
A new study, published in the journal Stem Cell Reports, describes the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells to produce an unlimited supply of pure keratinocytes. It is the cell type in the outermost layer of skin. According to the study, They closely match keratinocytes generated from human embryonic stem cells and primary keratinocytes from skin biopsies.
SFVAMC and their team used these keratinocytes to manufacture 3D epidermal equivalents in a high-to-low humidity environment to build a functional permeability barrier. Basically the permeability barrier protects the skin from losing toxins, and functioning like live skin.
With further research, there is a possibility that human epidermis samples be available for testing in a range of skin conditions and sensitivities in different populations. Additionally, according to to the Humane Society International this discovery could possibly be able to replace animals that are used in drug and cosmetic testing.
NOS Themes:
1. Science is Collaborative: The discovery was made by an international team of researchers, and supported by the SFVAMC
2. Role of Credibility: The discovery is verified by the SFVAMC, and the Humane Society International.
3. Science is based on evidence: The lab-grown epidermis and its permeability factor was supported by a study published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
Link to article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140424125245.htm
Additional Info: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27129861
How are scientists able to change human stem cells into skin like cells cheaply enough that it could be used for cosmetic services. All the things that I have heard before says that stem cell research is very costly. But other than that fact, this is an amazing advancement in animal rights because the fact that humans feel the right to hurt animals in order to make them look better is crazy. If scientists are able to use this new "skin" for advancement in medicine and cosmetics, without hurting animals, while still being cost affective than more research should be put into this new research.
ReplyDeleteTo address your question Kiersten, I found that the basic skin production system, can produce 5,000 swatches of human skin a month, for a total of over 600 square inches of mass-produced tissue. Each 0.12-square-inch section of skin would cost around US$49 to produce. This price is considerably less than the current cost.
ReplyDeleteThe main reason behind the affordable costs is mass production. The system is fully automated. It controls the solution that the skin grows in, monitors the vats for infection, and guides the blade that cuts the swatches. Even the quality test for the final product is automated.
Link for more info: http://www.sentientdevelopments.com/2009/11/mass-produced-artificial-skin-to.html