Novel approach of skin mapping technology was developed and optimized through controlled electrodeposition of conducting polymers (CPs). The CP has excellent flexibility, adequate conductivity and results in a high-resolution pattern of the skin surface. The formed CP pattern entity has distinct 3D structure, which is mirror reflection of target skin surface topology. Ex-situ (off-body) and in-situ (on-body) skin mapping methods were applied (Figure 1) [1], which were done via electropolymerization on a previously sampled skin stamp pattern or directly on the skin surface, respectively. Various 3D entity models of skin patterns, including scars, joint wrinkles, fingerprints and palm of a hand, were successfully developed for the intention to be used in dermatological applications, such as diagnosis, electrostimulation and controlled release of drugs to the pathological skin areas, such as wounds and scars.

This skin mapping approach was proved to have high universality. Skin leaves, in form of sebum, an insulating mark on substrate surface that it is in contact with. Furthermore, if that substrate is electrically conducting, the localized electropolymerization of the CPs in the presence of the insulating pattern (bare conducting metal and insulating mark deposition) resulted in the clear visualization of the skin surface outline (increased contrast between dark CP and unoccupied deposited insulating mark). Pt and Au coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were used as conducting substrate, which provide excellent flexibility, conductivity and smooth surface.

To summarize, this novel conducting polymer-based and electrically controlled skin mapping approach is able to remodel various skin surface patterns and reflect micron-scale 3D structure, which is highly valuable for dermatological diagnostics (Figure 2). The capability of doping and controlled-releasing ions make it even more promising targeted materials for wound care applications.

References

[1] X. Fu, W. Zeng, A.C. Ramírez-Pérez, G. Lisak, 3-D and electrically conducting functional skin mapping for biomedical applications, Chem Commun 54(8) (2018) 980-983.