What Are The Differences Between In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models?

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS ARTICLE:

What Are In Vitro and Ex vivo Models?

Alternative Models for Animal Experimentation

In Vitro vs. Ex Vivo: Differences and Similarities

Is One of The Two Models Better Than The Other?

Scientists are continuously trying to develop better models and tools to study the biology of the skin so that we can better predict the efficacy and safety not only of cosmetic and dermatological products but also of pharmaceuticals. Among these are the 3D in vitro models, such as the Reconstructed Human Epidermis, which have significant advantages over traditional 2D in vitro models.

However, in recent years, ex vivo models have gained much popularity since they are very frequently regarded as “the most representative model of the human skin”.

In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between in vitro and ex vivo models of skin, and discuss their suitability for different research scenarios.

1. What Are In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models?

“In vitro” and “Ex vivo” are two Latin expressions that describe the test environment of experiments.

In vitro literally translates from Latin as “in glass.” These methods involve experimenting with cells outside a living organism. The original reference to glass is quite literal since in vitro experiments were historically conducted in Petri dishes or test tubes, made of glass. In vitro cultured cells are purified and isolated from their natural biological environment.

It is worth noting that increasingly complex in vitro models are continuously being developed. Not only they can include more than just one type of cell (in which case they will be known as co-cultures, in contrast to mono-cultures), but they can also adopt 3D configurations (such as the skin-reconstructed models or organoids).

Ex vivo literally translates from Latin as “out of the living.” In these experiments, living tissues are directly taken from a living organism and immediately studied in a laboratory setting with minimal alterations to the organism’s natural conditions. An example of this is the use of human skin explants derived from surgical procedures.

2. Alternative Models for Animal Experimentation

Another key aspect of in vitro and ex vivo models is that they offer a great alternative to animal testing.

This consideration is essential for cosmetic research in the EU and other countries that have fully banned animal testing in cosmetics, or for companies aiming to market their products in these regions.

In dermatology and pharmacology, while in vivo studies are still typically required before testing drugs and formulas in humans, ex vivo models have significantly contributed to generating valuable data that better predict in vivo efficacy and aid in selecting the best lead drug candidates. As a result, they help save time and money, thereby accelerating drug development.

3. In Vitro vs. Ex Vivo: Differences and Similarities

While both approaches occur outside living organisms, they have significant differences.

The table below compares some of the most important traits of in vitro and ex vivo models. It is essential to note that the term “in vitro models” encompasses various models, including 2D mono-cellular cultures, 2D co-culture models, and 3D organotypic models, making generalizations challenging.

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