Expertise on skin

Your Skin

Expertise on skin

Our skin’s complexity creates a constant source of unexplored territory. Studying it requires tenacity and pragmatism from our researchers, as well as support from the medical and scientific community. Every day ,through our unique expertise and cutting-edge technology, we are able to discover new pathways and develop a better understanding of biological mechanisms.

Skin observation under microscope-imaging technologies

With a deeper knowledge on how the skin functions and ages, we are able to create more efficient treatments, develop diagnostic tests, and help prevent diseases. Molecular dermatology is about understanding skin diseases at a molecular level. Working at cellular, protein and molecular levels, we need specific technologies.

Immunohistochemistry with digital slide scanner

This technique allows us to observe and quantify compounds within the skin. In this example, we are studying a filler integrated into the skin over time.

Human skin with performed on Alcian Blue cut section
Human skin with filler performed on Alcian Blue cut section

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy

This provides molecular information on skin tissue at a microscopic level. We do this without modifying the sample through staining.

Human skin infrared analysis
Human skin infrared analysis
Human skin with filler infrared analysis
Human skin with filler infrared analysis

Multi-photon imaging

To investigate skin aging and measure skin collagen, we can generate non-invasive optical biopsies of the skin very quickly, thanks to the development of multi-photon microscopy. We can even picture and completely quantify collagen or other skin constituents.

Horizontal cut section; Multi-photons second harmonic generation, Collagen (red), skin dermal papilla fluorescence (green)
Horizontal cut section
Vertical cut section
Vertical cut section

Multi-photons second harmonic generation, Collagen (red), skin dermal papilla fluorescence (green)

MALDI imaging

MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation) is an ionisation technique used in mass spectroscopy to visualise and quantify skin penetration pathways and select efficient formulations. This ground-breaking technology provides a better understanding of compound skin distribution.

Focus on compound distribution in the dermis
Focus on compound distribution in the dermis

Virtual skin biopsy

The objective of this 3D ‘skin cube‘ is to discover the microscopic structure of normal skin as seen under the microscope, when observing a stained-cut section from a skin biopsy. Skin biopsy is a safe, easy, minimally invasive outpatient procedure of diagnostic and academic relevance. A small amount of skin tissue is removed with a punch, for microscopic examination by a histopathologist. This procedure is routinely used for the diagnosis of skin disease and cancer.

Epidermis
Virtual skin biopsy

 

2D virtual skin biopsy dermis
Dermis under microscope
Epidermis under microscope
Epidermis under microscope