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 microperfor ated, hyaluronan-based membrane as a carrier of cultured epidermal cells. H yaluronic acid is, in fact, considered to be an optimal biomaterial allowin g proliferation of both keratinocytes and melanocytes, and it is already us ed for clinical aims. The carrier with subconfluent human epidermal culture s is positioned onto the DED and kept in culture until a new epidermis is f ormed. 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.