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<p>Corneocytes, the fundamental units of the epidermis outer layer, are essential for skin’s barrier function. This study employs Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to explore the topographical and biomechanical properties of volar forearm cells. A detailed protocol is presented to eliminate experimental artefacts that have led to variability in reported Young’s moduli. The goal is to create a consistent material model reflecting the elastic and inelastic behaviour of corneocytes. Using standard sharp AFM probes allows for accurate cell topography capture and targeted indentation for mechanical property measurements without changing probes. The methodology for interpreting mechanical data from sharp indenters is also addressed. Results indicate that corneocytes in a dry state exhibit Young’s moduli similar to glassy organic polymers and demonstrate viscoplastic behaviour, described by the Herschel-Bulkley model. These detailed protocols enhance our understanding of skin biomechanics, potentially guiding advancements in biomimetic materials and dermatological studies.</p>

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Atomic force microscope protocols for characterising the elastoviscoplastic biomechanical properties of corneocytes

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月4日

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  • Ana S. Évora,
  • Zhihua Zhang,
  • Simon A. Johnson,
  • Zhibing Zhang,
  • Michael J. Adams

摘要

Corneocytes, the fundamental units of the epidermis outer layer, are essential for skin’s barrier function. This study employs Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to explore the topographical and biomechanical properties of volar forearm cells. A detailed protocol is presented to eliminate experimental artefacts that have led to variability in reported Young’s moduli. The goal is to create a consistent material model reflecting the elastic and inelastic behaviour of corneocytes. Using standard sharp AFM probes allows for accurate cell topography capture and targeted indentation for mechanical property measurements without changing probes. The methodology for interpreting mechanical data from sharp indenters is also addressed. Results indicate that corneocytes in a dry state exhibit Young’s moduli similar to glassy organic polymers and demonstrate viscoplastic behaviour, described by the Herschel-Bulkley model. These detailed protocols enhance our understanding of skin biomechanics, potentially guiding advancements in biomimetic materials and dermatological studies.