Technology

Expertise

Phenion has many years of experience in the areas of skin research and experimental dermatology along with an interdisciplinary team of scientists from biology, biochemistry, immunology and medicine. This is based on both dermatological work for Henkel as well as joint research with the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt/Main. In order to do specific research, Phenion has developed an independent Phenion® Full Thickness Skin Model.

Structure

The Phenion® Full Thickness Skin Model is produced biotechnologically. Keratinocytes of the epidermis and fibroblasts of the dermis, which originate from biopsy material from healthy donors, form a skin equivalent which resembles human skin under proper culture conditions. Fibroblasts need an environment in which their physiological tractive forces can develop in order to cultivate a structure similar to the dermis. Therefore they are grown in a specially-produced stabile matrix which does not contract under these forces. After the development of this dermal equivalent, keratinocytes are overlayed. Within a few days they develop an epidermis with all clearly recognizable layers. Both epidermis and dermis form a functional unit due to their related physiological structures.

Application

These full skin models are appropriate for carrying out in vitro tests to support claims and to answer toxicological questions. Topical applications like applications of cream as well as systemic applications are methods used to bring agents to the location of effect.