Human-relevant testing: 3D Tissue models

3D Tissue models, cultured from human cells in the laboratory, offer highly human-relevant, ethical and scientifically sound in vitro methods to predict product safety and efficacy.

Why choose 3D Tissue models?

The availability of reconstructed human skin and eye tissue has enabled the development of some elegant and sophisticated tests for cosmetic safety and efficacy. These accurate 3D models are based on tissue engineering technology, using human cells to recreate close simulations of human tissue under carefully controlled conditions. Importantly, reconstructed human skin models possess a stratum corneum and therefore have a barrier function. While the barrier tends to be more permeable than that found in healthy human skin, it does represent a significant advancement in providing physiologically relevant models for use in testing. 3D models also circumvent the need for test items to dissolve in aqueous cell culture medium, and allow ingredients or formulations to be added directly to the skin surface, mimicking real life exposure. Models are available in a number of specialised formats, including epidermis only, and full-thickness skin (with a dermal fibroblast layer, often embedded in a collagen gel).

No need for animal testing!

We’ve talked about the human-relevance they offer versus animal-testing, in fact they can completely negate the need for animal testing as part of a weight of evidence or integrated testing approach to safety assessment. We’ve seen that they offer a ‘checkpoint’ before going into clinical in vivo human trials, potentially preventing adverse outcomes for trial members. But one final point to consider is a very practical one, these models represent a time- and cost-efficient way to screen and test the safety and efficacy of chemical, raw materials and consumer products.

To find out more and to learn how we can tailor these methods to meet your exact requirements please contact us now.