Electric Field-Induced Changes in Biomechanical Properties in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and a Human Skin Equivalent

Abstract

Overview

The purpose of our study is to explore the potential for using electric fields (EF) to alter the mechanical properties of cells and skin tissues. We scrutinize the elasticity variations in human dermal fibroblasts and a human skin equivalent due to EF exposure.

Methods

• Exposure of human dermal fibroblasts and a skin equivalent to an electric field intensity of 1.0 V/cm.
• Measurement of elasticity changes using atomic force microscopy.
• Analysis of the biomechanical and chemical properties alterations in a human skin equivalent.
• Detailed examination of cellular elasticity biomarkers on gene and protein levels upon EF exposure.

Findings

Our findings show an increase in elasticity in human dermal fibroblasts after EF treatment, which also influenced the regulation of biomarkers associated with cellular elasticity. In the human skin equivalent, EF exposure altered collagen protein expression, although changes in collagen fibrils’ density and microstructure were minor. Notably, viscoelastic properties in the human skin equivalent were enhanced following EF stimulation, even though molecular collagen changes were minimal.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that the elasticity of cells and skin equivalents can be actively manipulated through electrical stimulation, emphasizing that changes are notably dependent on the cellular age, underscoring potential risks of EF exposure in therapeutic applications.