Scientists from CPSBB Invented a Prototype of Human Skin for Research in the Fields of Medicine and Pharmacy

Researchers from the "Plant Cell Biotechnology" Department at the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), together with the Laboratory of Metabolomics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), developed an innovative 3D model of the human epidermis, with the aim of research in the fields of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. The development involves the application of specialized techniques in order to reproduce the complex physiological structure and protective function of the human epidermis.

The innovation of the Bulgarian scientific team reproduces the formation of stratified epidermal layers by immortalized keratinocytes on a 3D polycarbonate matrix. This matrix is designed with a specific porosity for the optimal attachment, growth and differentiation of keratinocytes within the multilayered structure. Immortalized keratinocytes are precisely seeded on the surface of the matrix in order to form a confluent epidermal layer.

The model enables researchers to conduct high-tech clinical studies and test the biological effects and permeability of drugs and cosmetic formulations, minimizing the use of animals in scientific experiments. At the moment, with the developed model, scientists at the CPSBB and BAS are conducting research related to the photoaging of the skin due to UVA and UVB rays and the achievement of sun protection with natural products.

"The world market of photoprotective products amounts to nearly 10 billion euros per year. Many of them are based on the main ingredient “titanium dioxide”, which will be restricted for use on human skin in the future. Therefore, the global trend at the moment is the research of natural alternatives for the development of photoprotective products in order to protect the human skin from aging", points out Prof. Dr. Milen I. Georgiev , Head of "Plant Cell Biotechnology" department at CPSBB.

The researchers at CPSBB and BAS implement the innovative epidermal model in their studies and simulate skin aging conditions using a unique for Bulgaria UV chamber, which reproduces the entire spectrum of UV rays. This allows them to test plant substances isolated from medicinal plants on the newly created prototype and study their influence on the photoaging process. Several natural substances have already been identified from plants which are endemic to Bulgaria (such as Haberlea rhodopensis, etc.), which exhibit high photoprotective properties and have a? significant potential for protection against UV-induced skin aging. These discoveries are planned to be patented for the production of organic sunscreen products with anti-aging effects.