Preparation of Isolated Sheets of Human Stratum Corneum

Summary Methods of preparing intact, undenatured sheets of human stratum corneum are described. The epidermis of split or full-thickness skin is first separated by exposure to ammonia fumes or heat at 60 C. The horny layer is then isolated by incubating in dilute trypsin solution. Cantharidin blisters provide a convenient way of obtaining stratum corneum from living subjects with minimum discomfort and no scarring.