Epidermal regeneration

The epidermis is morphologically composed of distinct and stratified layers which reflect the sequential differentiation of keratinocytes that migrate from the basal layer to the superficial layer. Epidermal regeneration relies on the adequate balance between proliferation and differentiation of epidermal stem cells as well as on the removal of superficial dead cells (corneocytes) by desquamation, in order to maintain or to restore epidermal structure and functions.

Heredity, environment, lifestyle but also acne, inflammation, wound healing or ageing are factors that are known to have an impact on epidermal regeneration quality and speed.

The in vitro evaluation of an active or cosmetic compound on epidermal regeneration can be measured by analyzing the:

cell migration and proliferation
cell differentiation (retinoid-like effect)

Epidermal regeneration and cell metabolism: in vitro models and assays

Bioalternatives has many in vitro or ex vivo models at your disposal:

human epidermal keratinocyte stem cells (KSC)
normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK)
reconstructed human epidermis (RHE)
full thickness skin (FTSK)
skin explants (ex vivo)

on which we can evaluate the effect of active compounds or formulations on epidermal regeneration and cell metabolism by measuring:

cell viability and metabolism
morphology, integrity and thickness of the epidermal tissue
cell proliferation and migration
clonogenicity (capacity of progenitor cells to form colonies)
epidermal differentiation or dedifferentiation (differentiation markers: filaggrin, loricine, etc.), retinoid-like effects