Corneocyte Nano-Object Quantification for Skin Barrier Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a standard non-invasive technique to extract relevant diagnostic information from circular nano-objects (CNOs) on corneocytes for assessing skin barrier function and diagnosing skin diseases.
Innovation Solution
An in vitro method involving the collection and analysis of corneocytes to quantify CNOs through nanoscale surface topography, using techniques like atomic force microscopy, to derive a Dermal Topographic Index (DTI) for assessing skin health and disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used to assess skin barrier function, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but the measurement precision and objective evaluation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated image analysis systems that use digital imaging and computer algorithms to objectively quantify corneocyte surface characteristics. The system captures images of corneocytes and automatically measures parameters such as surface roughness, nano-object density, and morphological features, thereby eliminating subjective evaluation while maintaining non-invasive sampling through tape stripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of corneocyte surfaces and analyzes these copies rather than directly manipulating the actual corneocytes. By capturing high-resolution images of the corneocyte surfaces and using computational methods to quantify features from these images, the system achieves precise measurement without physical alteration or destruction of the samples.
2Loss of information
If tape stripping procedure is used to obtain corneocyte samples, then the method is non-invasive and standard, but the quantity and quality of available diagnostic information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corneocyte surface into distinct features of interest, such as individual nano-objects, protrusions, and surface regions. By dividing the complex surface topology into measurable elements and analyzing each separately through image processing algorithms, the system extracts multiple diagnostic parameters from a single non-invasive sample, maximizing information yield while minimizing processing artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual inspection to three-dimensional surface topology analysis by capturing height information through focused illumination techniques. This adds a vertical dimension to the analysis, enabling quantification of surface roughness, protrusion height, and nano-object volume, thereby extracting significantly more diagnostic information from the same non-invasive corneocyte samples.
3Reliability
If automated image analysis is implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional image analysis system that can quantify various skin barrier parameters including surface roughness, nano-object density, corneocyte size distribution, and morphological features from the same set of images. By designing the system to handle multiple measurement tasks simultaneously, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and maintains reliability while managing complexity through versatile, integrated analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the quantification of CNOs, providing a diagnostic parameter for skin conditions, allowing for the assessment of skin barrier function, inflammatory conditions, and monitoring the efficacy of treatments without the need for biopsies.
Implementation Method 1
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) became a versatile tool for biological studies on single biomolecules, viruses or cells. Since no sample processing is necessary, investigation of biological specimen close to physiological conditions is possible with only a minimum of procedure-derived artefacts.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to an in vitro method for quantifying nano-objects of mammalian skin cells comprising the following steps: a) Collecting mammalian corneocytes; b) Analysing the surface topography of corneocytes at nanoscale resolution; c) Identifying subcellular objects of typical size smaller than 500 nm with a circularity index > 0.5 (circular nano-objects, CNOs); d) counting these CNOs; e) relating the number of CNOs to a unit area for obtaining a density parameter, especially a structural index in the form of a dermal topographic Index, DTI.