Analysis of the mechanical properties of in vitro reconstructed epidermis: preliminary results.

Human epidermis can be reconstructed in vitro and is currently used in autografts for the treatment of severe, extensive burns and pigmentation disorders. However, there are neither international standards nor a common nomenclature for engineered tissues. The paper discusses the results of a preliminary study on human cultured epidermis to assess its mechanical tensile strength, and to eventually establish mechanical evaluation criteria that will enable test and comparison of the behaviour of different engineered tissue products. To perform uniaxial tension tests a traditional testing machine was adapted, and dedicated sample holding frame and grips designed.