Repuprosing nanomechanical analysis techniques to provide novel insight into the biology of skin scarring

The skin architecture and biomechanics change dramatically in aging, wound repair and scarring, yet most insights come from traditional histology and disconnected molecular biology. State-of-the-art, label-free, analytical techniques (e.g. X-ray and Raman scattering) provide biomechanical and chemical tissue characterisation. Small and wide angle X-ray scattering can reveal nanoscale structural features, crystallisation, and biomineralisation phenomena. Novel technical developments, including multimodal integration of scanning -SAXS, X-ray tomography and hyperspectral Raman imaging with advanced microscopy can provide high-resolution multiscale structural, chemical, and collagen imaging. This PhD project will develop and optimise these analytical techniques for novel use in characterising primary human skin representing different body sites across the healthy life course, as well as scarring. The functional implications of the alterations observed will be validated in in vitro models. The findings of this work will influence disease modelling, bio-mimetic scaffold design and inform on advancing clinical management.