Keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are the basic of epidermis – the visible part of human skin, where these cells form multiplayer structure. The main mission of epidermis is to protect human body from injurious external effects, including infection.

During the process of development keratinocytes move from the bottom to the upper skin layers and finally turn into the horny scales as they die off, giving way to the new cellular generation. It is quite natural that one can extract keratinocytes from the upper skin layer only. These are stromal stem cells that are the precursors of keratinocytes, although the latest research data show that these cells can be derived from fibroblasts as well.

In spite of superficial location, keratinocytes belong to high-differentiated (specialized) type of cells. Apart from barrier function, these cells have frank immune properties. Therefore, it is quite complicated to cause the growth of keratinocytes in vitro. Sophisticated laboratory techniques would be required to perform this procedure. ICB BIOSTEM, established in compliance with GMP standards, is a single Center of Biotechnology in Ukraine, which has all the required conditions to carry out the most laborious biotechnological procedures. Specialists of ICB BIOSTEM apply different growth factors and nutrient mediums in order to culture keratinocytes. Due to the complexity of cultivation and individual approach ICB BIOSTEM uses autologous (one’s own) keratinocytes only. The specialists of the Center pay a great attention to all cultivation requirements. I addition, skin cultured in vitro looks much better then skin grafted from the other areas of body. BIOSTEM surgeons have a rich and successful experience of application of keratinocytes in burn treatment and removal of scars, tattoos and pigment spots.