20130078666 | SCAFFOLD-BASED ORGANOTYPIC CULTURE FOR THE LONG-TERM CULTIVATION OF HUMAN EPIDERMAL STEM CELLS - The present invention relates to organotypic cultures of epidermal cells and the use thereof for the screening of pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents. Specifically, means for the improvement of the long-term stability of such cultures are disclosed. Thus, the present invention contemplates a skin equivalent comprising (a) a dermal equivalent comprising a matrix comprising nonwoven viscose fabric and fibroblasts and (b) keratinocytes. Moreover, the present invention contemplates a method for manufacturing the skin equivalent and a method for screening agents capable of influencing skin, such as a therapeutic or cosmetic agent. | 03-28-2013 |