Ultrastructural observations of human epidermal melanocytes cultured on polyethylene terephthalate film

Objective: To assess the application of polyethylene terephthalate film as a supporting material of cultured human epidermal melanocytes and to observe the ultrastructure of human epidermal melanocytes in vitro. Methods: Human epidermal melanocytes were isolated from 7- to 14-years old children foreskins and were cultured in M254 culture medium containing human melanocyte growth supplement. Cultured melanocytes were purified via a differential trypsinization method. Purified melanocytes were cultured on a film and prepared for transmission electron microscopy. Results: In comparing with the cellular supporting materials polyvinylidene chloride and cellophane, human epidermal melanocytes only attached and grew on polyethylene terephthalate film. Melanocytes grown on polyethylene terephthalate film maintained an intact shape, and retained special ultrastructures characteristic of melanocytes such as dendrites. Conclusions: Polyethylene terephthalate film proved to be an ideal cellular supporting material for the cultivation of human epidermal melanocytes. Ultrastructure of melanocytes showed melanosomes are transferred both from the tip and middle section of dendrites. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.