September 04, 2019

Phenion: A new testing system for skin research

Another milestone reached in skin research

Düsseldorf – Henkel scientists are developing highly specific human skin tissue models for the purpose of studying skin phenomena, which are being made available to other companies, organizations and research institutes under the Phenion® brand. For these models, it was previously recommended to complete any experimental testing phase within 10 days. With the development of a more durable tissue model, yet another milestone has been reached in the field of skin research. A LONG-LIFE version of the Phenion® Full-Thickness Skin Model has now become available: it can be kept in culture for up to 50 days.

The Phenion® FT LONG-LIFE Skin Model	
The standard version of the Phenion® Full-Thickness Skin Model is already being used in various applications to answer questions within a 10-day testing phase. “However, we realized after engaging in detailed discussions with our customers that there was a need to extend the time the skin models can be maintained in tissue culture: to study late-onset effects, for example, or to apply substances on the skin repeatedly for longer periods of time,” said Dr. Dirk Petersohn, Head of biophysical and biological research at Henkel Beauty Care. 

With the Phenion® FT LONG-LIFE Skin Model, Henkel scientists have for the first time managed to reconstruct human skin that can be cultured for up to 50 days. It thus allows the experimental testing phase to be lengthened by 400 percent. The new model is the result of a research project that ran for several years. Scientists managed to bring all cells into a state of homeostasis at a very early stage during tissue production, and then maintain them in this state. The standardization of the LONG-LIFE production method guarantees the same high level of quality offered by the other Phenion® skin models and enables new testing strategies and fields of application. The LONG-LIFE Full-Thickness Skin Model could potentially even be used for research into the development and treatment of skin tumors.

The Phenion® LONG-LIFE Full-Thickness Skin Model is designed as a complement to the Phenion® product range, which, in addition to the standard model, also includes a specific aged skin model (Phenion® FT AGED Skin Model) and a purely epidermal tissue model (Phenion® OS-REp Model).

More information
Interested laboratories and research facilities can find extensive information, contact details and the possibility to order the Phenion® products on the website www.phenion.com/.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2017, Henkel reported sales of 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Combined sales of the respective top brands of the three business units – Loctite, Schwarzkopf and Persil – amounted to 6.4 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press 

Contact	Linda Fischer	Hanna Philipps
Phone	+49 211 797-72 65	+49 211 797-36 26
Email		linda.fischer@henkel.com	hanna.philipps@henkel.com

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