Abstract: The serum-free culture of normal human epithelial stem cells is of paramount importance for the in vitro formation of cloned human tissues by means of cell therapy. Several growth promoting agents are disclosed for use in a serum-free culture medium of normal human keratinocytes. Lithium ions, dibutryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and prostaglandin E1 have been found effective as growth enhancing agents to be added singly or in combination, when used in combination with insulin-like growth factor-1. Lithium ions and prostaglandin E1 are disclosed as independent growth enhancing factors, that replace epidermal growth factor as a necessary growth factor required for keratinocyte clonal growth.

Abstract: A cosmetic and dermatological composition comprises 2, 3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-H-indole-3-acetic acid (4-hydroxy-1-oxindole-3-acetic acid) as an active ingredient for use as a melanin inhibitor and as an anti-tyrosinase enzyme inhibitor. This composition is excellent as a skin whitening agent. Since it also has potent antioxidant and anti-irritant activities it is useful in a cosmetic composition for improving hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a novel topical gel delivery system are disclosed. The delivery system is an oil-in-water (O/W) type thixotropic microemulsion especially useful as a vehicle for the delivery of botanical actives. The delivery system is comprised of natural starches emulsified with a cationic surfactant and utilizes both synthetic and cosmetically-acceptable oils in a two step process. The resulting microemulsion is a uniform dispersion of oil droplets in a stable starch-oil composite. The method also allows for sequestering volatile fragrances by encapsulating them in the oil phase droplets, drying of liquid emulsions to a thin film, and subsequent moisture-activated release of the entrapped fragrances from dried films. Finally, a wound dressing that undergoes reversible hydration upon contact with wound exudates can be prepared by the methods of this invention.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for treating wounds utilizing these formulations are disclosed. The formulations accelerate wound healing by providing a unique serum-free cellular nutrient medium that supports wound healing of mammalian skin in the absence of protein growth factors. The protein-free composition contains physiological levels of a retinoid compound. This retinoid-containing composition enhances epidermal wound healing of both normal acute and chronic wounds by stimulating the growth of the adult epidermal keratinocytes without the need of any protein growth factors. The wound healing active composition may be used in combination with a topical wound gel preparation including both proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous biopolymers and hydrogels.

Abstract: Methods and formulations are disclosed for the in vitro formation of a histologically complete human epidermis in a serum-free, companion cell or cell feeder layer-free, and organotypic matrix-free culture system commencing with the isolation and cultivation of a unique population of clonally-competent basal epidermal cells and ending with the formation of a functional, histologically complete, human squamous epithelium. The formation of a histologically complete human epidermis is accomplished in a serum-free medium, without companion-cells or feeder layer cells or any organotypic support using a multi-step process that is controlled by manipulating the growth and differentiation factors requisite to the sequential development of a usable, functional, and completely differentiated epidermis.

Abstract: Methods and formulations are disclosed for the in vitro formation of a histologically complete human epidermis in a serum-free, companion cell or cell feeder layer-free, and organotypic matrix-free culture system commencing with the isolation and cultivation of a unique population of clonally-competent basal epidermal cells and ending with the formation of a functional, histologically complete, human squamous epithelium. The formation of a histologically complete human epidermis is accomplished in a serum-free medium, without companion-cells or feeder layer cells or any organotypic support using a multi-step process that is controlled by manipulating the growth and differentiation factors requisite to the sequential development of a usable, functional, and completely differentiated epidermis.