In a new process, the team led by the Regensburg scientist Prof. Dr. Joachim Wegener at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors grew human keratinocytes in a flow cell. The current of fluid in the chip system allows potentially hazardous substances to be transported to the skin cells and the cells’ reaction to the respective substance to be studied in a variety of ways.

The keratinocytes were genetically engineered before being used in such a way that they display cell stress within the cells by means of a fluorescent protein. When illuminated with blue light, the cells light up green, allowing a cellular reaction to cosmetics to be identified.

The newly-developed chip system allows the simultaneous investigation of up to three substances and continuous monitoring of the cell reactions.

The scientists are currently working on a prototype in collaboration with industrial partners. The microchip is intended make use of cells from other tissues and thus later be able to be used for screening procedures to determine the biological effects of chemicals.

Contact person for media representatives:
Prof. Dr. Joachim Wegener
Universität Regensburg
Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors
Ph.: +49-(0)941-943-4546
Joachim.Wegener[at]chemie.uni-regensburg.de

Source: http://idw-online.de/pages/de/news519044