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Self-fabricated!? The Complete Guide to Creating Epidermal Models
The Long-Awaited Protocol Is Now Available
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In response to numerous requests from researchers, we added a protocol for creating and evaluating epidermal models to the user manual for “FibColl® Atelocollagen Inserts 24.” To guarantee success, even for those attempting to create an epidermal model for the first time, the protocol encompasses everything from precautions during handling to various evaluation methods and practical tips for use in the lab. In this newsletter, we introduce a portion of that content.
This product is recommended for those who:
- Find that commercially available epidermal models are expensive and inflexible
- Feel uneasy about adopting 3D skin models
- Feel uneasy about 2D culture
- Have never realized that epidermal models could be fabricated
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Key Points for Creating Epidermal Models Using FibColl
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If you have experience with cell culture, you may think even that a beginner can conduct experiments by following the flowchart above at a glance; however, there are some subtle and important factors that our R&D team has identified. Our manual includes all of these factors.
For example:
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- It is recommended that epidermal keratinocytes be passaged no more than three times.
- Manipulations involving physical stress, such as pipetting, should be done as gently as possible.
- When culturing in an ALI, the FibColl membrane should be completely covered by the rough-textured tissue.
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Key Points for Evaluating Epidermal Models Using FibColl
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After creating an epidermal model, you will likely check whether the stratum corneum has formed through H&E staining. Preparing and evaluating cell sections grown on cell culture inserts requires a certain degree of practice. Therefore, we provide tips for obtaining the images shown above.
For example:
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- Pour the washing buffer gently, as epidermal models may detach from the membrane.
- Remove any residual liquid on the back of the membrane with sterile cotton or a cotton swab before excising the membrane.
- When preparing frozen sections, it is advised to first allow the sample to soak in a small amount of frozen embedding medium.
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We have received numerous comments from skin researchers indicating that, based on our detailed instructions, they would be interested in creating their own epidermal models using FibColl. So, why not make your own epidermal model?
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We plan to exhibit at the Pharma Lab EXPO in May. In addition to the epidermal models using FibColl introduced here, we will also be holding an exhibitor seminar covering full-thickness skin models. Please be sure to visit us.
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| The 8th Pharma Lab EXPO (Interphex Week) |
| Dates: |
May 20 (Wed)–22 (Fri), 2026 |
| Venue: |
Makuhari Messe |
| Booth: |
6-16 (Inside the Bio Research Zone on the right upon entering Hall 2, Aisle 6) |
| Exhibitor Seminar |
| Date & Time: |
May 20 (Wed), 14:10–14:40 |
| Venue: |
Cosmetics Research & Production Forum Venue 1 |
| Topic: |
The Choice to Build Your Own Skin Models — Key Points You Can Start Implementing Tomorrow |
| Overview: |
Engineered skin models (3D skin models) are not just “products you buy and use.” Did you know that you can create them yourself without relying on commercially available models?
In this seminar, we provide a simple explanation ranging from the basics of skin models to actual fabrication protocols. We share tips for constructing skin models suited to your experimental system while keeping costs affordable, along with proven methods and key success factors. |
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