Characterization of a new in vitro burn wound model.

Previous studies of the healing process in burn wounds have largely been dependent on different animal models. These models are not only ethically questionable but are also combined with several systemic variables that are difficult to control and standardize. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized and repeatable in vitro model of the burn wound in human skin. Burn wounds with a standardized area and depth were created in human skin from routine breast reduction operations and incubated in vitro. The re-epithelialization of the wounds was followed throughout the time of incubation (14 days) by fixing and staining wounds every second day. After 14 days of incubation, the viability of the cells in the epidermis and dermis was confirmed by isolation and culture in vitro. The wounds incubated in 10 per cent fetal calf serum were shown to heal after 7 days, whereas wounds incubated in 2 per cent serum did not show any sign of re-epithelization. However, both epidermal and dermal cells from wounds incubated in 2 per cent serum were shown to be viable after 2 weeks of incubation. These findings indicate that the in vitro model can be of great value for studies of the different phases of the healing process in burn wounds as well as stimulatory effects on the wound healing process by different pharmacological agents and treatments.