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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2012, 15(1): 50-57en  Preliminary studies on the characteristics of corneocytes using atomic force microscopy (AFM)Ida Dulińska-Molak 1/, Małgorzata Lekka 2/, Małgorzata Lewandowska 1/, Monika Pasikowska 3/, Bożena Tyszczuk 3/, Irena Eris 3/ 1/ Facutly of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland 2/ The Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland 3/ Dr Irena Eris Centre for Science and Research, Warsaw, Poland Summary Purpose. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a novel technique for skin cells characterization. Aim. 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 and materials. Topology, rigidity, adhesion properties and friction (between individual corneocytes and AFM probe) of the top layer of corneocytes were measured by means of Park Systems XE120 AFM. Moisturizing cream was applied daily on the forearm for a period of 5 days. The skin flakes were collected before and after the treatment using Cuderm tape strips. No additional treatment of flakes was performed during test. Results. A protocol for the AFM study of corneocytes is developed. After the treatment, we observed differences of rigidity (the Young modulus) and adhesion properties (pull-off force). Conclusion. AFM can be used as a very sensitive tool for early detection of changes in corneocytes. Key words: atomic force microscopy, corneocytes, Young´s modulus, adhesion force |