Usefulness of a 3D skin construct in the detection of regenerative effects after previous SDS damage

For permeation experiments or the assessment of irritating noxae artificial skin constructs (ASCs) are commonly used as in vitro models. They serve as a valuable tool when first data about formulations or new chemicals are obtained without performing animal testing. In this work ASCs are used as a predictive model for the evaluation of treatments that facilitate regeneration and wound healing after traumatization with sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. These ASCs comprised immortalized human keratinocytes that were air-exposed cultured on a fibroblast populated murine collagen gel. Using immortalized keratinocytes the model was easily accessible with standard cultivating techniques and media. Dexpanthenol was selected as a drug that is clinically used for wound healing. ASCs treated with a dexpanthenol supplement subsequent to traumatization with sodium dodecyl sulfate solution were investigated over a period of one week against controls. Dexpanthenol supplementation was shown to be superior to cultivation without supplementation; ASCs were also able to metabolize dexpanthenol. ASCs may therefore be suggested as being useful for this application.