Canine Models2D & 3D In vitro

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Canine Microbiota Research Services

In vitro Canine Microbiota Services for Veterinary Research

The canine microbiota plays a key role in dermatological, ocular, and otic disorders; conditions where microbial imbalance drives disease persistence. Accurate study requires tools built specifically for canine biology, not human analogues.

QIMA Life Sciences offers a range of 3Rs-aligned canine in vitro models, built for veterinary therapeutic and pet care product development. Our expertise in skin biology and molecular analysis makes us the ideal partner for microbiota-centred product innovation.

We support microbiota research with two complementary services: reconstructed canine epidermis (RCE) for controlled microbial colonisation and host response studies, and non-invasive clinical sampling for microbiota and biomarker profiling of external surfaces. Together, these support veterinary pharmaceutical, pet care, and research programs from early candidate development through clinical correlation.

See more on the RCE model

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Our Canine Microbiota Services at a Glance

Microbial colonisation on reconstructed canine epidermal tissue

Microbial species are cultured with our reconstructed canine epidermis model. After a period of adhesion and proliferation, with optional treatment, assay readouts may include:

  • Microbial burden by calculating CFU, or with targeted qPCR.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tissue histology.
  • Inflammatory mediator release from RCE tissue and gene expression profiling.

Non‐invasive clinical sampling with proprietary, ready-to-use kits

We provide sampling kits and training for their use.

We retrieve the kits, analyse them, and deliver results with complete statistical analysis plus biochemical interpretation and scientific communication support.

To assess the canine microbiota our capabilities include: traditional microbiology, targeted genetic profiling and non-targeted genomics approaches. Host–microbiota interactions can be assessed by measuring lipids and cytokines from surface samples.

What our Canine Microbiota Services Help You Achieve

  • Generate 3Rs-aligned efficacy data for topical antimicrobial or antifungal products against canine skin–relevant organisms.
  • Build scientifically-backed efficacy and tolerability claims for pet care products without animal testing.
  • Characterise microbial colonisation dynamics and host tissue response in a controlled, reproducible in vitro environment.
  • Profile the canine skin microbiota from clinical samples without invasive procedures.
  • Correlate microbiota composition with disease state or treatment response across a study population.

Who we Support

  • Veterinary pharmaceutical companies developing topical antimicrobial products requiring efficacy data against canine commensals or pathogens.
  • Pet care and dermatology brands seeking microbiome-informed claims for canine skincare formulations.
  • Academic and clinical veterinary researchers investigating skin microbiome dysbiosis in atopic or infectious skin disease.
  • Biotech companies developing microbiome-modulating therapeutics for companion animals.

Microbial Colonisation of Reconstructed Canine Epidermis

Reconstructed canine epidermis is a stratified 3D in vitro model built from primary keratinocytes, and designed to reproduce key features of canine skin. It enables controlled colonisation by target organisms for efficacy and mechanism studies.

Available microbial species:

  • Malassezia pachydermatis – used to validate the colonisation model.
  • Additional species available (e.g. Staphylococcus pseudointermedius) on request and validated upon agreement.

Available readouts:

  • Microbial CFU quantification.
  • Microbial species-targeted qPCR.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
  • Histology.
  • RCE tissue cytokine release and gene expression (RT-qPCR).

Composite images showing Malassezia pachydermatis colonization of a reconstructed canine epidermis model. Top panel (50 µm scale) shows clustered yeast cells on the tissue surface; middle panel (20 µm scale) provides a closer view of rod-shaped yeast adhering to the epidermal layer; lower SEM panel (10 µm scale) reveals detailed morphology of individual yeast cells; bottom image is a histological cross-section of the reconstructed epidermis stained to highlight the stratified canine skin architecture and ability to use histological approaches to investigate the microbe-colonised tissue.

Scanning electron micrographs and histology showing the proliferation of M. pachydermatis on the RCE surface.

Non-Invasive Canine Clinical Sampling & Bioanalysis

Proprietary, ready-to-use kits and infrastructure support the surface sampling of canine sites. Sampling kits are returned to our labs for multi-modal profiling of various components.

Microbiota profiling options:

  • Traditional agar culture.
  • Targeted qPCR assays.
  • Non-targeted metagenomic sequencing.

Host–microbiota interaction-linked readouts:

  • Lipid analyses.
  • Inflammatory markers (e.g. cytokines) and markers of oxidative stress.
  • Odorous molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Why Choose QIMA Life Sciences

  • Dedicated veterinary CRO services with deep expertise in canine biology and product development.
  • Our 3Rs and NAM-aligned in vitro platforms reduce reliance on live-animal testing.
  • Flexible study design: our scientists work with clients to validate custom species, endpoints, and sampling formats on request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Yes. In addition to supporting efficacy testing of topical formulations, treatments can be applied to our RCE model indirectly via the culture media.

Yes. We offer an RCE-based atopic dermatitis-like inflammation model, where a defined disease state is induced by cytokines. The reconstructed tissue can also theoretically be challenged with UV irradiation, chemical irritants, or other stressors to investigate inflammatory responses and barrier disruption. Our model is also well characterised for standalone tolerance profiling for both topical and indirectly applied products and formulations, through metrics such as cytotoxicity, TEER, mediator release and histomorphology.

Yes. For human testing, we provide a deeply characterized reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model and a broad suite of in vitro and ex vivo dermal platforms. In veterinary research, we’ve successfully produced an REE (reconstructed equine epidermis), model, and our teams may be able to work with you to adapt our approaches for feline or other companion-animal studies. Contact us to find out more.

Our proprietary kits are designed for surface sample collection, and we offer different kits for different purposes. Non-invasive sampling can be conducted for the eye, ear, skin, mouth, and hair. For example, we have contributed to published studies using canine tear and ocular surface samples, and ear canal samples for otitis. Please contact us to confirm suitability for any specific anatomical site or study population.

Amplicon sequencing (for example 16S rRNA) provides targeted community profiling; an efficient, cost-effective way to identify which bacterial species are present. Non-targeted metagenomics sequences all genetic material in a sample, delivering broader taxonomic and functional resolution, including fungi and other non-bacterial organisms.

Because the RCE model is constructed from primary canine keratinocytes, it cannot be considered a testing platform free of products of animal origin. However, it is fully compatible with cruelty-free product development. Cruelty-free certification schemes typically assess whether animal testing was conducted during product development, and RCE-based testing satisfies that distinction. The platform is also 3Rs-aligned and consistent with recognised approaches to replacing live animal studies with physiologically relevant in vitro models. QIMA Life Sciences does not certify finished products; whether a product qualifies for cruelty-free status depends on the full development programme.

Do you need more information regarding our veterinary product development services?
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