Skin Biomarker Levels

Quantification

​

Analysis of D-SquameTM Tapes and SebutapesTM or Skin Cell Cultures

The outermost layers of the skin are self-renewing and regenerating. As a result, a diverse and complex array of biomarkers can be found in the stratum corneum (SC) and on the skin surface dissolved in sebum and sweat. D-SquameTM tapes and SebutapesTM can be used to non-invasively collect these biomarkers across a wide range of body sites, including the face and scalp. TRI can analyze tape samples for hormones (e.g. DHT), inflammatory cytokines and growth factors using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELIZA) or colorimetric assays.

ELIZA assays can be used, for example, to investigate the levels of inflammatory cytokines associated with scalp inflammation and dandruff. Sebum samples, collected with SebutapeTM can be analyzed for IL-1α and IL-1R, key markers for dandruff.

Various assays can also be used in skin cell culture experiments to evaluate the impact of specific actives on important skin markers like the synthesis of collagen, elastin, etc.