Biomaterial Database

Atomic force microscopy characterization of corneocytes: effect of moisturizer on their topology, rigidity, and friction. 2010

R M Gaikwad, and S I Vasilyev, and S Datta, and I Sokolov

Department of Physics, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave., Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.

OBJECTIVE Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a novel technique for skin characterization. OBJECTIVE To develop AFM tests for characterization of the outermost epidermis layer, corneocytes. As an example, the effect of moisturizer on the corneocyte properties is studied. METHODS Topology, rigidity, and friction (between individual corneocytes and AFM probe) of the top layer of corneocytes were measured by means of Veeco DM3100 AFM. Quench moisturizing cream was applied daily on the forearm of five volunteers for a period of 9 days. The skin flakes were collected before and after the treatment using Cuderm tape strips. No additional treatment of flakes was performed before the measurements. RESULTS A protocol for the AFM study of corneocytes is developed. After the treatment, we observed overall smoothening of the corneocyte surface, an increase of friction, and a decrease of rigidity (the Young modulus). CONCLUSIONS AFM can be used as a very sensitive tool for early detection of changes in corneocytes.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D004643	Emollients	Oleagenous substances used topically to soothe, soften or protect skin or mucous membranes. They are used also as vehicles for other dermatologic agents.	Emollient
D004817	Epidermis	The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of EPITHELIUM: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis).
D005542	Forearm	Part of the upper extremity in humans and primates extending from the ELBOW to the WRIST.	Antebrachium,Antebrachiums,Forearms
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000078404	Epidermal Cells	Cells from the outermost, non-vascular layer (EPIDERMIS) of the skin.	Epidermal Cell,Epidermic Cells,Cell, Epidermal,Cell, Epidermic,Cells, Epidermic,Epidermic Cell
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D017276	Friction	Surface resistance to the relative motion of one body against the rubbing, sliding, rolling, or flowing of another with which it is in contact.