Detecting electroporation by assessing the time constants in the exponential response of human skin to voltage controlled impulse electrical stimulation.
We propose a new method for extracting the electrical properties of human skin based on the time constant analysis of its exponential response to impulse stimulation. As a result of this analysis an adjacent finding has arisen. We have found that stratum corneum electroporation can be detected using this analysis method. We have observed that a one time-constant model is appropriate for describing the electrical properties of human skin at low amplitude applied voltages (<30V), and a two time-constant model best describes skin electrical properties at higher amplitude applied voltages (>30V). Higher voltage amplitudes (>30V) have been proven to create pores in the skin's stratum corneum which offer a new, lower resistance, pathway for the passage of current through the skin. Our data shows that when pores are formed in the stratum corneum they can be detected, in-vivo, due to the fact that a second time constant describes current flow through them.
Bîrlea
Sinziana I
SI
Bioelectronics Research Cluster, National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science and Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering & Informatics, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. s.birlea1@nuigalway.ie
Corley
Gavin J
GJ
Bîrlea
Nicolae M
NM
Breen
Paul P
PP
Quondamatteo
Fabio
F
OLaighin
Gearóid
G
D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D018274:Electroporation; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008954:Models, Biological; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena