Applicability of a Dual-Arm Robotic System for Automated Downstream Analysis of Epidermal Models

摘要

Reconstructed human epidermis mimics the architecture of human epidermis, and can thus be used as an alternative to animal models in cosmetic industry, toxicology, and dermatological research. An essential quality criterion of these in vitro models is a high barrier function that is assessed by applying detergents in different concentrations or for different timeframes to the surface of the models to derive IC-50 or ET-50 values. Being a complex procedure, these assays are currently conducted manually, requiring significant employment of labor, and lead to increased variability between different tests. Here, we show that ET-50 testing can be automated by using a dual-arm robotic system. The advantage of this robotic system is that it allows high flexibility in lab automation because of its capability to use standard laboratory equipment. To compare manual and automated testing, both processes were performed in parallel. An ET-50 value of 5.58 hours was obtained from manual testing. In comparison, ET-50 value of automated assessment was determined as 5.29 hours. This clearly demonstrates that both assays resulted in concordant ET-50 values for the employed reconstructed epidermis, and thus transfer of the manual protocol to automated testing was successful.