Schneider, C., H. Huber, and R. Bucholz. Cultivation of Human Skin Cells in Microcapsules. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. - Animal. 1998. 34(3): 30-A. Part II. Abstract V-1020. [CopyrightÓ 1998 by the Society of In Vitro Biology (formerly the Tissue Culture Association). Permission to reproduce on website by the copyright owner.]

The use of autologous cultured epidermal cell sheets has become a standard method for coverage of extensively burned patients. The disadvantages of these sheets grafts are: the relatively long time needed to grow the grafts, technical difficulties in applying the fragile grafts resulting in an uncertain take, and high costs. The aim of our research is the development of a novel kind of skin grafts in form of encapsulated keratinocytes. In this manner the production of skin grafts will be possible in shorter time and with lower costs. The cultivation of encapsulated cells has two significant advantages. First to remark is the higher growth rate of cells in microcapsules compared to normally cultured cells, which makes skin grafts available in much shorter time. This is an important aspect by treatment of severe burned patients. The second important advantage lies in the protection of the sensitive skin cells from mechanical stresses which permits a simple handling during cultivation and transplantation processes. These points result in lower costs and improving take rate. The new technique also aims to improve the cosmetic and function results of the regenerated skin. Our institute is working on encapsulation systems for several years. The chosen polymer for encapsulation used here consists of components of human cells. It is medically authorized and totally biodegradable.