Evaluating spectroscopic imaging of living skin equivalents as a new approach for topical formulations research

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In vitro product testing is a vital part of product development for topical applications and devices and this project seeks to establish a powerful non-animal approach as a new method for providing a greater understanding of percutaneous absorption of topical formulations in pre-clinical studies. This project aims to develop label free imaging of drugs by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SRS) in human living skin equivalents (HSLEs). We propose to undertake the first comparison of each of these techniques for imaging of drugs and to gather data to allow a robust evaluation of the penetration profiles of pharmaceutical compounds in human and pig ex vivo skin, and in an HLSE. In addition, we will introduce significant novelty and new metrology to support the application of the HLSEs and spectroscopic imaging to provide reliable and transferable protocols. The ultimate aim of this project is to support the 3Rs via the delivery of a non-animal model and novel chemical imaging protocols which are validated for topical formulation testing to allow reliable predictions of safety and efficacy in clinical studies.