Researcher’s Voice Ranking: Top Three Expectations for FibColl

Over 200 customer comments reviewed and addressed.

We review customer feedback every month to guide both product improvements and new developments. Among our products, FibColl® Atelocollagen Inserts 24—featuring fully atelocollagen, a material-permeable membrane, drawing particular attention—has received over 200 comments within two years of its launch.

This newsletter introduces the three most notable themes raised by our customers about FibColl. 

No. 3: Inquiries regarding the FibColl usage

Since its launch, the number of researchers using FibColl has grown rapidly, leading to a steady rise in inquiries about its use. FibColl promotes faster stratum corneum maturation by simply following the standard procedure for epidermal model preparation described above, motivating more researchers to create their own epidermal models.

However, only a small number of researchers have hands-on experience with epidermal model construction, and many express concerns about detailed preparation and post-culture evaluation steps. To meet these needs, we are developing a comprehensive protocol that covers every stage, from setup to histological evaluation. 

We are also preparing a collection of practical tips and techniques to support both new and experienced users. This step-by-step guide will make it easier for first-time users to build epidermal models with FibColl. Please look forward to it.

No.2: Positive Comments

Positive feedback on FibColl has continued to grow alongside its expanding user base. Many researchers highlight its cost advantages, such as reduced use of expensive specialized culture media and growth factors, as well as lower labor costs resulting from the shorter culture period. As shown in the figure above, epidermal models prepared with FibColl achieved stratum corneum formation in roughly half the time required by conventional models.

In addition, researchers who have experience with other commercially available epidermal models have praised FibColl for its experimental flexibility, since this allows them to plan without being limited by ordering or delivery schedules. Users also praise the convenience of FibColl’s 24-well format, which can be used as needed since it contains no cells.

We are grateful for these positive evaluations but will not be complacent. All feedback is shared with our R&D team as valuable input for developing new and improved products. 

No. 1: Additional Data Acquisition

Since our recent participation in the annual meeting of the Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments and cosmetics-related exhibitions, we have observed ongoing interest in FibColl as well as requests for additional user data. For example, as shown in the figure above, when creating an epidermal model using FibColl, an inflammation-inducing model for psoriasis can be created via cytokine stimulation. Furthermore, we have received requests for histological evaluation and drug efficacy evaluation of this model.

Although it is difficult to respond to all requests promptly due to the limited outreach capacity of our R&D department, we are steadily obtaining additional data to address these concerns. In response to new requests, we have increased the throughput of our experimental workflow to accelerate data acquisition. We can now see the possibility of creating stable epidermal models that are independent of the experimenter. 

Epidermal model creation, air-liquid interface cultures, and co-culturing

Fibcoll® Atelocollagen Inserts 24 (24 pieces/bag)

Exhibition Information

We plan to attend the annual meeting of the Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments in November 2025. Please visit us at the meeting venue to review our Atelocollagen products.

The 38th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments

　Dates: November 1 (Sat.)– 3 (Mon.) 2025

　Venue: Pacifico Yokohama North, 4F G401+402, Foyer, G411

　Booth: 38 (at the back of the plaza in front of the elevators)