Abstract: A skin sample culture apparatus which has a base frame, with a skin sample receiving surface upon which at least part of the skin sample may be placed and which extends across an area defined by the shape of the frame. A securing member which is releasably connectable to the base frame and a grip which holds the skin sample under tension. The apparatus may include a tensioner to hold the sample under tension and means for introducing a fluid to the upper or lower surface of the sample.

Abstract: A high throughput screening apparatus having a base with channels for receiving a reagent. The channels are spaced across the surface of the base and have one or more walls which extend through the base from a first base surface to a second base surface. A compression member containing a plurality of openings extending through the compression member are positioned across the surface of the compression member, one or more of the openings being positioned for alignment with a corresponding channel in the base. A grip for removably securing the compression member to the base, when a compressible sheet is positioned across the channel between the base and the compression member and fixed by the grip, parts of the compressible sheet are compressed between the base and the compression member to form a seal between the base and the compression member, forming one or more wells for containing the reagent.

Abstract: A skin sample culture apparatus which has a base frame, with a skin sample receiving surface upon which at least part of the skin sample may be placed and which extends across an area defined by the shape of the frame. A securing member which is releasably connectable to the base frame and a grip which holds the skin sample under tension. The apparatus may include a tensioner to hold the sample under tension and means for introducing a fluid to the upper or lower surface of the sample.

Abstract: A method for improving the ex vivo viability of a skin tissue type by mounting samples of the skin tissue type in the skin sample holder, applying separate tensions to at least some of the samples and measuring the ability of at least some of the skin tissue samples to maintain live skin characteristics, such that, for the skin tissue type, the measurements of live skin characteristics determine one or more value of skin tension which improve the ex vivo viability of the skin sample type. The viability may be determined by measuring keratin 17 expression by a wounded skin sample.