Abstract
The swelling of individual human skin cells (so-called corneocytes) was studied in distilled water and hexadecene, respectively, by tapping mode scanning force microscopy. The area, the mean height, and the volume were recorded and compared to data of the same cell, which has been obtained under ambient conditions. In distilled water, we found an average swelling in height and volume of about (±)%5010, but no significant increase of the area. Additionally, phase-contrast images suggest a significant change of the viscoelastic properties of the corneocytes. On the other hand, the corneocytes behaved inertly when exposed to hexadecene as an example of a non-polar solvent.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
