Combining extracellular matrix 3D Cell Culture with CometChip^® technology for genetic toxicology testing with in vitro skin models.

 DermaChip^® is a new high throughput assay technology that allows scientists, for the first time, to reliably measure the genotoxic risk of a whole range of environmental agents (including cleaning agents, household products and industrial chemicals as well as cosmetics) to our skin.

The Problem

It has been shown that risk assessment data from the micronucleus assay together with traditional comet analysisof cells isolated from treated 3D skin culture models is a better predictor of skin toxicity compared to the standard

Combining extracellular matrix 3D Cell Culture with CometChip^® technology for genetic toxicology testing with in vitro skin models.

DermaChip^® is a new high throughput assay technology that allows scientists, for the first time, to reliably measure the genotoxic risk of a whole range of environmental agents (including cleaning agents, household products and industrial chemicals as well as cosmetics) to our skin.

The Problem

It has been shown that risk assessment data from the micronucleus assay together with traditional comet analysisof cells isolated from treated 3D skin culture models is a better predictor of skin toxicity compared to the standard

battery of in vitro toxicity assays. However, in some in vitro models, unacceptable backgrounds were observed as a function of skin preparation. This may be a result of the stage of differentiation of the skin and associated DNA damage when assays are performed. One would expect higher comet backgrounds in cells migrating toward the stratum corneum.

The Solution

DermaChip^® combines extracellular matrix 3D Culture technology with CometChip^® technology to provide a unique platform able to specifically isolate basal keratinocytes for genetic toxicology testing using in vitro skin models. The elimination of cells migrating to the stratum corneum, that potentially harbour damaged DNA from the analysis, reduces the background for some 3D models.

DermaChip^® Identifies and Analyzes DNA Damage in Integrin Beta 1 Basal Cells of Skin.
Collaborator: Dean Rosenthal, Georgetown University. 
Supported by NIEHS R41ES026908. Patent Pending

Patent pending DermaChip^® Technology

DermaChip^® is a disposable gel attached to a specially treated glass slide, indexed for 96 well locations, containing thousands of 30 micron sized pores designed to capture and array cells. The gel specifically traps basal keratinocytes expressing integrin beta-1 before they differentiate and migrate to the stratum corneum. During their natural migration, cells stop dividing and ultimately lose their nucleus. During the process, DNA damage accumulates resulting in high comet backgrounds. By trapping basal keratinocytes, we can eliminate this background. Prior to comet analysis, the identity of trapped cells is confirmed by Anti-integrin beta-1 immunostaining labelled with quantum dots. Only basal keratinocytes are included in comet data analysis.

More Details

Request a copy of poster to be presented at the Beatson International Cancer Conference. 

View abstract of poster at the Beatson International Cancer Conference.

Download Presentation (Collaborator: Dean Rosenthal, Georgetown University, Supported by NIEHS R41ES026908) 

CometChip^® can dramatically improve lab productivity.