Nanoneedle technique helps scientists study the stratum corn

Researchers at the University of Bath are using a pioneering technique to study the properties and characteristics of the skin, which could pave the way for new treatments for dermatitis and for an improved understanding of the skin ageing process. Using a minute nanoneedle in conjunction with atomic force microscopy (AFM), scientists at the university are able to study the structure of thestratum corneum; until this new research, it was only possible to examine the surface of the corneocyte with AFM. Now, researchers can examine the cell structure deep below the surface.

In a new paper published in theJournal of Investigative Dermatology, Ph.D graduate James Beard, Dr Sergey Gordeev and Professor Richard Guy demonstrate the nanoneedles ability to perform a mechanical scan of the skin cell, offering the potential to detect structural and biomechanical changes caused by environmental factors, ageing or disease. By examiningstratum corneumsamples from human volunteers, the researchers have already discovered a clear difference between the softer, external layer of the corneocyte and the more rigid internal structure.

“By constructing a nanoneedle at the tip of an AFM probe we’ve extended our imaging capabilities into the third dimension. We strongly believe that this new technique will find many interesting applications in biology, nano medicine and material science,” commented Dr Sergey Gordeev from the university’s Department of Physics.

Professor Richard Guy of the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology added: “A deeper understanding of the biomechanics of skin barrier function, and the relationships between this role and the physical properties of human skin cells may lead to the development of new therapeutic or cosmetic products to restore or reinforce the skin. This would benefit, for example, individuals with dry or eczema prone skin and perhaps the ever increasing ageing population whose skin becomes progressively fragile over time.”