Hoath S B, Donnelly M M, Boissy R E
Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Biosens Bioelectron. 1990;5(5):351-66. doi: 10.1016/0956-5663(90)80015-6.
This paper constitutes, in its main intent, an introduction to the mammalian epidermis as a surface for biosensor applications. In particular, the structure and function of the epidermis of the newborn rat are examined as a model for studies of the human state. Data are presented illustrating an anisotropic organization of the dorsal surface of the neonatal rodent with regard to line of tension and thermal gradients. The dependence of the mechanical properties of the epidermis upon calcium is examined by means of an in-vitro assay of epidermal retraction. The potential role of keratin tonofilaments as piezoelectric and pyroelectric elements in the epidermis is introduced and the spatial alignment of these macromolecular arrays is demonstrated to be a function of physiological tensions. These findings are discussed in the context of noninvasive epidermal sensors utilized to understand mechanisms of sensory development and physiological regulation. Optoelectronic (infrared) imaging of the dorsal temperature field and the alteration in this field by treatment with epidermal growth factor are presented as examples of this methodologic approach. It is concluded that a detailed examination of the material and physical properties of mammalian epidermis is a reasonable goal of biosensor development and research. Hypothetically, such studies may reveal important molecular and cellular mechanisms by which sensory data are transmitted or transduced at the organism-environmental interface.
本文的主要目的是介绍作为生物传感器应用表面的哺乳动物表皮。特别地，将新生大鼠的表皮结构和功能作为人类状态研究的模型进行考察。给出的数据表明，新生啮齿动物背部表面在张力线和热梯度方面存在各向异性组织。通过表皮回缩的体外测定，研究了表皮力学性能对钙的依赖性。介绍了角蛋白张力丝在表皮中作为压电和热电元件的潜在作用，并证明这些大分子阵列的空间排列是生理张力的函数。在用于理解感觉发育和生理调节机制的无创表皮传感器的背景下讨论了这些发现。作为这种方法的实例，展示了背部温度场的光电（红外）成像以及用表皮生长因子处理后该场的变化。得出的结论是，对哺乳动物表皮的材料和物理性质进行详细研究是生物传感器开发和研究的合理目标。假设地，此类研究可能揭示感觉数据在生物体 - 环境界面处传输或转导的重要分子和细胞机制。
