Electric field‐induced changes in biomechanical properties in human dermal fibroblasts and a human skin equivalent

Purpose An electric field (EF) can be used to change the mechanical properties of cells and skin tissues. We demonstrate EF‐induced elasticity changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a human skin equivalent and identify the underlying principles related to the changes. Methods HDFs and human...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Skin research and technology 2020-11, Vol.26 (6), p.914-922
Main Authors: Han, Se Jik, Moon, Donggerami, Park, Moon Young, Kwon, Sangwoo, Noh, Minjoo, Jang, Jihui, Lee, Jun Bae, Kim, Kyung Sook
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atomic force microscopy
Biomarkers
Biomechanics
cellular elasticity
Chemical properties
Collagen
Electric fields
electric stimulation
Electrical stimuli
Equivalence
Fibrils
Fibroblasts
F‐actin
human skin equivalent
Mechanical properties
Proteins
Skin
Stimulation
Viscoelasticity
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Request full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose An electric field (EF) can be used to change the mechanical properties of cells and skin tissues. We demonstrate EF‐induced elasticity changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a human skin equivalent and identify the underlying principles related to the changes. Methods HDFs and human skin equivalent were stimulated with electric fields of 1.0 V/cm. Change in cellular elasticity was determined by using atomic force microscopy. Effects of EF on the biomechanical and chemical properties of a human skin equivalent were analyzed. In cells and tissues, the effects of EF on biomarkers of cellular elasticity were investigated at the gene and protein levels. Results In HDFs, the cellular elasticity was increased and the expression of biomarkers of cellular elasticity was regulated by the EF. Expression of the collagen protein in the human skin equivalent was changed by EF stimulation; however, changes in density and microstructure of the collagen fibrils were not significant. The viscoelasticity of the human skin equivalent increased in response to EF stimulation, but molecular changes were not observed in collagen. Conclusions Elasticity of cells and human skin equivalent can be regulated by electrical stimulation. Especially, the change in cellular elasticity was dependent on cell age.
ISSN:0909-752X
1600-0846
DOI:10.1111/srt.12894