title: In vitro indentation to determine the mechanical properties of epidermis.
abstract: The lack of understanding of the mechanical behavior of the human skin layers makes the development of drug delivery using microneedles or microjets a challenging task. In particular, the key mechanical properties of the epidermis composed of stratum corneum and viable epidermis should be better understood. Micro-indentation experiments were applied, using a spherical tip with a large diameter to the sample thickness ratio. The Young's moduli were derived via an analytical and a numerical method. The tests showed that the analytical method was not appropriate to assess the Young's moduli. That is why a numerical model was used to obtain the correct stiffness. When loaded perpendicularly, the stiffness of both the epidermis and stratum corneum vary between 1 and 2MPa. No significant differences in stiffness between the stratum corneum and viable epidermis were observed.
authors.affiliation: Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Oliemolenstraat 5, 9203 ZN Drachten, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Geerligs
authors.forename: Lambert
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van Breemen
authors.forename: Gerrit
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ackermans
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baaijens
authors.forename: Cees
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oomens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011312:Pressure