Research project
A novel biofilm for skin barrier repair of patients with atopic eczema
Atopic eczema is a skin disease with increasing incidence currently affecting 25% of the paediatric population. In atopic eczema the skin barrier function is reduced. This barrier is formed by the outermost layer of the skin called the stratum corneum (SC). The SC consists of terminally differentiated keratinocytes imbedded in a lipid matrix.
The reduced barrier has been correlated to changes in the lipids composition of the SC. It is hypothesized that application of a biofilm containing a lipid formulation can restore the lipid composition and recover the barrier function.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel biofilm for the treatment of atopic eczema, starting from a previously developed barrier cream and further developing it using an ex vivo skin model. The effects on lipid composition and organization will be examined and correlated to the barrier function to develop an optimal barrier recovery film.