Partner 9. The University of Nottingham (UNOTT)
School of Biomedical Sciences, Human Anatomy and Cell Biology
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
University Park
NG7 2RD Nottingham - United Kingdom

Scientific team

Name	Position		Task
R.H.Clothier	Reader in Cell Toxicology		Co-ordinator of in vitro testing on skin and eye models, & conduct some testing.
To be appointed	Technician		To generate and maintain cells cultures and 3D models and conduct testing

Dr R H. Clothier (Reader in Cell Toxicology) and his research team (at UNOTT, School of Biomedical Sciences) has experience in the isolation, culture and evaluation of human cell lines derived from the skin, microvascular tissues, cornea and connective tissue. They are also experienced in the development, validation and application of in vitro alternative methods in toxicity testing for effects of chemical formulations and UV radiation. Human skin and corneal model systems, are routinely used in the evaluation of responses to cytotoxic agents in the laboratory at UNOTT.
The research team, has experience in the evaluation of morphological changes to cells, (employing light, fluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy), resulting from insults leading to necrosis or apoptosis.


Objectives
The objectives are to evaluate the potential direct adverse effects on cell viability and differentiation of the THz radiation for human tissues, in particular the skin and eye epithelia. To determine the indirect effects via potential photoactivation of chemicals, such a Chlorpromazine and Hypericin. In Vitro assays employing human keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts and dermal microvascularture, both primary and/or cell lines will be examined. The effects on cell viability via the Resazurin reduction (Alamar BlueTM) assay, and capacity of corneocytes and keratinocytes to subsequently differentiate via the fluoresceinated cadaverine assay will be examined. The fixed THz equipment at TREL in Cambridge as well as a portable system provided by the TERAVISION project will be available for such measurements. The technician will be trained in tissue culture, the isolation and maintenance of primary human cells, production of 3D skin models, production of corneal models and the required in vitro assays to detect adverse cell reactions.

Workplan
UNOTT will contribute to the workpackages as described below.

Workpackage 2.2 (20 person-months)
Human epithelial cell cultures will be examined for the adverse effects of THz irradiation using the portable source and fixed sources. The in vitro assays will be based on the reduction of Resazurin (for viability) and the incorporation of fluoresceinated Cadaverine (for differentiation). All the required techniques and experience are available in the laboratory to provide the required training.

Workpackage 3 (2 person-months)
UNOTT will contribute to the preparation of the questionnaire as well as to the evaluation of the results of "Survey on THz exposure" in view of the biomedical applications.