title: Atomic force microscopy as an innovative tool for nanoanalysis of native stratum corneum.
abstract: This study demonstrates an innovative application of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The combination of high-resolution AFM technology and tape stripping is presented as a tool for the structure analysis of human stratum corneum (SC) at a nanometer scale. Topographic images with a vertical resolution of about 10 nm of the SC are presented. Topographical and structural differences between aged and young skin can be observed. Aged skin SC is characterized by an increased single-cell surface area, prominent intercellular gaps and enhanced cell surface roughness. The use of AFM in combination with other already established methods, e.g. tape stripping in the field of dermatological research will give new insights to the structure, function and morphodynamics of SC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gorzelanny
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goerge
authors.forename: Eva-Maria
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Schnaeker
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Luger
authors.forename: Stefan W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004817:Epidermis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D036103:Nanotechnology; D015595:Skin Aging; D013048:Specimen Handling