| abstract |
The present invention provides methods of, apparatus for, and kits for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent. Tissue equivalent includes, but is not limited to, equivalents of epithelial tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, bone, blood, organs, glands and blood vessels, which are composed of living cells and extracellular matrix molecules, principally collagen. Agent includes, but is not limited to, various substances such as chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, stimuli, e.g., light or physical injury; and tissue protective agents. |