Development of an epidermal equivalent model on a transwell and on a biopolymer scaffold

Author(s)

Carolina Motter Catarino

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2015-05-11

Examining board members

Silvya Stuchi Maria Engler; Luciana Biagini Lopes; Maria Beatriz Puzzi

• Advisor: Silvya Stuchi Maria Engler

Abstract

Currently there is a strong global trend towards the development of in vitro tests that fulfill the use of animals in safety evaluation tests. In 1986, the European Directive 86/609/EEC led to the discussion of global reduction of animal testing and the 7th amendment of this Policy, published in 2004, ordered the transfer of the tests for risk assessment for in vitro system. Different approaches have been taking into account to achieve this goal, for example, the development of epidermal equivalents models, which have been considered the most promising and widely studied model. ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) has validated two models of reconstructed epidermis (EpiDermTM - Mattek and EPISKINTM - L\'Oréal) that are commercially available and other models are being developed in different research laboratories in the world. These two models are recommended in Guide 431 (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development - OECD) for in vitro evaluation of skin corrosion. In Brazil, this practice is still lacking, but should be implemented quickly so that meets international humanitarian concepts. Therefore, this project aimed the creation, within the principles of Guide 431, of an epidermal equivalent and the optimization of this process through the incorporation of a biopolymer membrane (PET and collagen I) as cellular support. The reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) consists of a differentiated three-dimensional epidermal tissue reconstructed from normal human keratinocytes in a chemically defined medium and air liquid interface growth. The validation of this model for the assessment of skin corrosion potential of substances was performed following the principles of the OECD Guide 431, hereupon four substances from the list indicated by the Guide were tested: two corrosive (lactic acid and octanoic acid) and two non-corrosive (2-phenylethyl bromide and benzylacetone) and positive (acetic acid) and negative (NaCl 0.9%) controls. The cell viability results after 3 minutes and 1 hour of exposure to the test substances indicates that our model is capable of distinguishing the substances among corrosive and non-corrosive. Although they do not, allow the sub-categorization of corrosive in 1A or 1B/C. Thus, we have demonstrated that our model is a potentially relevant and a reliable test method that could be used in research and specifically for the investigation of chemical hazard. To optimize the model, we tested the incorporation of a biopolymer membrane composed of PET and type I collagen as support for cell growth, as a replacement of the transwell. Histological examination of membranes has shown that they are biocompatible, enabling adequate adhesion and proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. However, there was no adequate differentiation with the formation of a similar human epidermis (stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum and corneum). Moreover, the lack of uniformity and reproducibility of the results indicates that it is still necessary to optimize the membranes production process and the generation of the epidermal equivalent using the membranes as support. In perspective, the developed epidermal equivalent may be used for research and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals, pesticides, among others. This directly contributes to the development of alternative methods able to substitute animal testing in Brazil and follows the international trend of development tests for risk assessment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/00735-0 - Development Epidermis Equivalent On New Biopolymeric Membrane
• Grantee: Carolina Motter Catarino
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master