Skin replacement is of major concern especially for burnt people and giant nevi. According to our knowledge in modelling pigmented skin, we decided to develop an artificial, pigmented autologous skin for therapeutic use. Our pigmented models were made on dead deepidermized dermis, which do not allow standardization of procedure. Thus, since dermal collagen-based matrices such as IntegraTM or Matriderm® were used as dermal substitute from many years in reconstructive surgery, we decided to develop our artificial skin on these matrices. Fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes were isolated from breast skin obtained after written informed consent of donors and culture in clinical grade medium. Fibroblasts were seeded on top of the bovine collagen-based matrix 7 days prior keratinocytes and melanocytes seeding. After 3 weeks, we obtained a skin with a remodeled dermis, a dermal epidermal junction and a stratified epidermis with its stratum corneum, we named Geniouskin. The process was repeatable and reproducible and was patented (EP3072535). A preclinical study was performed to confirm is suitability for therapeutic use. Quality of Geniouskin was not altered after 6 hours of transport at a temperature between 20-25°C. Four series of mice were grafted with collagen-based matrix or Geniouskin prepared from 4 donors of various phototypes. Grafts and mice behavior were followed during 6 months. The increase of the body weight for male and female mice indicates no obvious toxicity of the matrix or Geniouskin. No specific clinical sign was correlated with the graft. Geniouskin was well integrated and induced no deleterious side effects (tumor, inflammation).By immunohistochemistry and HE staining we observed that Geniouskin was well integrated, differentiated, pigmented, vascularized and innervated which confirmed its ability to replace efficiently native skin.

ESDR575 - Geniouskin: the first pigmented artificial skin for clinical use

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.