A new model for studying differentiation and growth of epidermal cultures on hyaluronan-based carrier

Here, a three-dimensional model based on fragments of human de-epidermized dermis (DED) is prepared in order to study the performance of a microperforated, hyaluronan-based membrane as a carrier of cultured epidermal cells. Hyaluronic acid is, in fact, considered to be an optimal biomaterial allowing proliferation of both keratinocytes and melanocytes, and it is already used for clinical aims. The carrier with subconfluent human epidermal cultures is positioned onto the DED and kept in culture until a new epidermis is formed. This model system allowed to study the migration and growth of human epidermal cells from the carrier, resembling 'in vivo' re-epithelization. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.