Nano-Tactile Scanner with Dust-Proof and Drip-Proof Structure for High-Resolution Measurement of Skin Surface...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of skin surface properties is crucial for understanding skin health and function.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or protective measures needed for in-vivo skin analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel scanner-type measurement device with an integrated nano-tactile sensor for analyzing living skin.
• To create a robust sensor protection system using flexible organic films to ensure measurement accuracy and sensor longevity.
• To evaluate the device's capability in detecting skin texture and hardness variations under different conditions and in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a scanner-type device incorporating a nano-tactile sensor.
• Implementation of a protective structure using a flexible organic ultra-thin film (film adhesive bandage).
• Clinical validation of the device on human subjects at a medical faculty to assess skin property changes.

Main Results:

• The developed device successfully measured tactile texture changes on the skin surface in both dry and wet states.
• The protective structure effectively prevented sensor performance degradation and contamination from external elements.
• The system accurately identified skin property alterations resulting from different wiping methods and detected hardness distributions related to skin conditions like blisters and moles.

Conclusions:

• The nano-tactile sensor system provides a reliable method for quantifying skin surface texture and hardness.
• The protective film technology enhances sensor durability and measurement accuracy in clinical applications.
• This technology offers clinical relevance for interpreting skin's protective and sensory functions by detailing surface structure changes.