Bio-mechanical characterisation of human skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bio-mechanical characterisation of human skin
IRAS ID
251009
Contact name
Georges Limbert
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to better understand how the shape of a needle changes how much force is necessary to puncture the skin. While puncturing the skin with a needle appears rather straight-forward, the process of inserting a needle is complex from a mathematical perspective. During insertion the speed and force varies in the hands of a skilled medical practitioner. To design better needles, engineers must first better understand at a fundamental level how to mathematically describe the interaction between the needle and skin. In this study, we propose three mechanical tests that will aid in the development of these mathematical models: uniaxial tension, biaxial tension, and puncture tests. Uniaxial tension tests apply a load in one direction and can be used to determine the failure and damage properties of skin. Biaxial tension tests apply a load in two perpendicular directions, this multi-axial loading provides a more representative mechanical response but cannot be used to determine the failure properties. Puncture tests simulate a simplified needle puncture where the needle is inserted at a constant speed into the skin sample which is backed with a soft rubber to simulate the support provided by muscle and fat in vivo. The uniaxial and biaxial tests will support the development of improved mathematical models of skin as the failure, damage, and multi-axial loading response of the tissue cannot be directly obtained from the puncture test. The analysis of the puncture tests will combine the data already gathered from the uniaxial and biaxial tests to accurately model the response of the skin. The puncture tests will then be used to guide the development of mathematical models that describe the cutting ability of different needle shapes.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1829
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion