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Country of origin: Netherlands

Summary

At a Dutch University an epidermal, full-thickness human skin model has been developed for tests, predictive screening and research where interaction between epidermal and dermal cells is crucial. Sreening of genes and compounds is possible. This technology is anticipated to be equally applicable to other organs and to provide a platform for functional studies in a broad range of (human) tissues and organs. Commercial partners active in biotechnology are sought.

Full description

Scientists from a Dutch University Medical Center have developed
epidermal and full-thickness skin models that can be used for tests, predictive
screening and research wherein the complexity of human skin is required, i.e.
where the interaction between epidermal and dermal cells is crucial. This
invention provides for a novel robust method permitting functional screening
of dozens of individual genes and compounds in (human) tissues.

This new generation of skin models can, in contrast to earlier skin models,
easily be transfected with a single gene, but also with several genes, in order to mimic skin diseases. Potential therapeutic compounds for this disease could
subsequently be screened in this model.

The scientists anticipate that this technology is equally applicable to other organs and provides a platform for functional studies in a broad range of (human) tissues.

Furthermore, this invention may allow reconstruction of complete organs with transfected cells. Another problem that can be solved by the invention is the fact that human organs are not amenable to large scale gene function studies, because of the complexity of tissues in human organs.

The current invention allows large scale gene function studies in different tissues, such as the cornea, lung epithelium and bone. Cells are transfected and then cultured under optimised conditions allowing full reconstitution (including differentiation) of tissues. In this way, the invention allows high throughput gene function studies within an organ context.

Innovative Aspects

- the skin model is stable, uniform and reproducible
- long term (the skin can be cultured for up to 20 weeks, allowing the use for
chronic testing and repeated dosing)
- easy transfection of all kinds of tissues
- functional studies take the architecture and specialization of tissues and cells within an organ fully into account
- alternative for animal skin testing (increasing public pressure)

Partner expertise sought:

Commercial Partner Sought
e.g.
- biotechnology company that has extensive
experience in skin/organ models and/or array
technology and who have knowledge of automation and miniaturization
- company that is interested in skin and organ testing models.

Listed under: Medicine and Health \ Life Sciences

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Key dates Profile created on: 29 July 2010 Closing date: 23 July 2011

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