Skin Disease Research Using the iEM Platform

Creative Biostructure offers an integrated electron microscopy (EM) platform that includes scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and corresponding accessories and software. Based on these advanced instruments, our experienced team of experts can provide high-quality images for the analysis of ultrastructural pathologic changes in various tissues. Here, we focus on the skin barrier and its major structural components, providing our research clients with valuable information for related skin diseases.

The skin—An Indispensable Barrier

The skin"s most important function is to form an effective barrier, namely the skin barrier, which can prevent water loss, external toxic agents from penetrating, and pathogens from invading, is essential for terrestrial animals. The skin barrier is a very complex system comprised of a large number of inter-related components. Any change in these components results in altered barrier function. The skin barrier is a central event in various skin alterations and diseases, such as ichthyosis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. The skin barrier is mainly carried out by the epidermis, which possesses the physical, chemical/biochemical, and immunological barriers.

• The physical barrier

The physical barrier is mainly localized in the stratum corneum (SC), which is composed of protein-enriched cells and lipid-enriched intercellular domains. In addition, the nucleated epidermis also contributes to the barrier, such as the cell-cell junctions, desmosomes, and cytoskeletal elements.

• The chemical/biochemical barrier

Lipids, antimicrobial peptides, hydrolytic enzymes, acids, and macrophages together form the chemical/biochemical barrier.

• The (adaptive) immunological barrier

Theimmunological barrier consists of cellular and humoral constituents of the immune system.

Skin Disease Research Based on the iEM Platform

The skin barrier is a very complex system comprised of a large number of inter-related components, including the intercellular lipid layer, corneodesmosomes, desmosomes, tight junctions, keratin filaments and cornified cell envelope. These major structural components are highly related to the skin barrier and related skin diseases. At the iEM Platform, we are able to provide high-resolution images of the skin barrier ultrastructures at an electron microscopic level. Automation and sample preparation improve the speed and reliability of our EM analysis.

We are able to analyze the following ultrastructures of the skin barrier, but not limited to them,

• Intercellular lipid lamellae.
• Lamellar granules, including the transport of lamellar granules by membranes and the localization of their cargos.
• Epidermal tight junctions and related structures.
• Cornified cell envelope.
• Keratin filaments.

In addition, we can also observe fungi, bacteria, and parasites in skin samples and analyze skin pigmentation using our advanced EM platform. Creative Biostructure is an innovative, quality, and technology solution-driven company. Our platform provides all levels of technical support and consultation for our customers who need analysis and SEM, TEM, AFM imaging. Please feel free to contact us. We"d be happy to discuss any projects and see how we can support your work.