Vision Engineering’s Stereo Zoom Microscopes are utilized to inspect and dissect cells for temporary skin substitution on burns patients.

This important research means patients can now benefit from a temporary skin substitute as they await surgery for autologous skin grafts.

Human embryonic stem cells, which were utilized in this breakthrough, were seeded for 40 days and supplemented with bone protein. Cells with specific characteristics reflecting those found in the natural basal keratinocytes (major constituent of the epidermis), formed a pluristratified epidermis. Twelve weeks after grafting epidermis derived from the stem cells, the cell characteristics had a structure consistent with that of mature human skin i.e. fully functional and able to construct a pluristratified epidermis.

This step forward in stem cell research was assisted by the use of the Lynx stereo zoom microscope from Vision Engineering. Utilized for inspecting the morphology of the cells and dissecting the growing pluristratified epidermis, the Lynx offers scientists a unique eyepieceless viewing system. This means the scientists can continue their important work without suffering the usual fatigue and eyestrain associated with long term use of microscopes. Additionally, the Lynx is an ideal solution for scientists working with laminar flow cabinets, because of the Dynascope viewing head. Using this technology, the microscope can remain in the cabinet, while the user can inspect the samples from outside the cabinet – see Figure 1.0.

Fig. 1.0. Demonstrates the Utilization of the Lynx Stereo Microscope in a Laminar Flow Cabinet.

The Lynx Stereo Zoom Microscope with Eyepieceless Viewing Head.

Tags: dissection, inspection, laboratory, laminar flow, morphology, skin grafts, stem cells, stereo microscope