A Method to Evaluate Skin and Skin Substitute Mechanical Properties Using a Suction Device
摘要
Optimizing skin tissue engineering necessitates the precise and objective assessment of scar quality. One approach to achieve this evaluation is through the measurement of the skin’s or skin substitutes specific mechanical properties, such as elasticity and firmness. This chapter introduces a measurement protocol for clinical assessment of these properties using a suction device, known as the Nimble. The Nimble device quantitatively evaluates the mechanical characteristics of the skin by applying controlled negative pressure to elevate the skin to a predetermined level, thereby allowing for the measurement of skin elasticity and other related parameters. In this chapter, we provide a detailed description of the Nimble’s operation, including the step-by-step process for conducting measurements, and offer guidance on the interpretation of the collected data to assess scar quality effectively.