| AVS 65th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Biomaterial Interfaces Division | Friday Sessions |
| Session BI+AS+NS-FrM |
| Session: | Characterization of Biological and Biomaterial Surfaces |
| Presenter: | David Scurr, The University of Nottingham, UK |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
This work presents the use of mass spectrometry imaging (specifically ToF-SIMS and 3D OrbiSIMS) as an emerging tool for skin analysis, offering the ability to perform chemical histology and monitor the distribution of xenobiotic compounds, namely antibacterial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents. Both 2D and 3D spatial distribution profiles of analytes within skin are achievable for both topically applied compounds following permeation and inherent compounds present in native tissue. Data acquired using the 3D OrbiSIMS can identify a significant number of biological molecules, unavailable using ToF-SIMS, including subtle chemical variations within single skin strata and / or individual cells.
Individual tape stripped layers of human stratum corneum, both native and following application of a topical compound can be imaged using ToF-SIMS and 3D OrbiSIMS. The sensitivity of these techniques has also enabled the detection of analytes from native tape stripped samples highlighted differences in the lipid composition of the stratum corneum relating to both intrinsic and extrinsic aging effects[1]. In particular, a significant increase in the presence and a localised spatial distribution was observed for cholesterol sulfate, which has been shown to play a key role in desquamation.
In conducting an analysis of native ex vivo porcine tissue we were successfully able to detect and spatially map chemical biomarkers of both the stratum corneum and underlying epidermis. In addition, using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), the 3D distribution of analytes throughout the epidermis could be visualised for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic topical products following Franz cell experiments. These methods can be used to illustrate enhanced topical delivery, for example in the use of supramolecular gels encapsulating ascorbic acid and microneedles applied prior to the application of imiquimod used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes respectively.
[1] Starr, Johnson, Wibawa, Marlow, Bell, Barrett & Scurr, Anal. Chem. 2016, 88 (8), pp 4400–4408