Figure 1.
A schematic of the production and usage of a NIKShCAP-18-based BSS. (A) NIKS progenitor cells, genetically modified to produce the host defense peptide, hCAP-18, are plated and cultured in an insert. The cells are fed on the outside of the insert with media (dark pink). (B) After lifting the cells in the insert so they are in contact with the air, signals are produced for the cells to differentiate into a fully stratified skin tissue. This process takes ∼14 days to produce mature tissue. (C) Enlarged schematic of BSS grown in the insert. The BSS produces hCAP-18 (red circles) throughout the epidermis and hCAP-18 is secreted into the dermis. (D) Wounded native skin that has lost all layers of the epidermis. Bacteria (green stars) have contaminated the wound bed. Placement of the fully stratified BSS can occur on top of this open wound bed. (E) Grafted wound is decontaminated of bacteria by the NIKShCAP-18 tissue and is in the process of healing.