Tribology and Materials | Volume 2 | Issue 3 | 2023 | 128-153
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https://doi.org/10.46793/tribomat.2023.013
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Skin as an interface: Understanding the synergy of dermatology, biomimetics and tribology
Hakan Göçerler
1,
Carsten Gachot1,
Philipp G. Grützmacher1,
Stefan J. Eder1,2
1 Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development,
Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
2 AC2T research GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Abstract: This review explores the intersection of tribology and
dermatology, explicitly focusing on studying the human skin and drawing
inspiration from natural systems. It investigates animal adaptations and
their implications for biotribological applications, with examples such
as the friction anisotropy and wear tolerance of snakeskin, the healing
properties of fish skin and the lotus effect for reducing adhesion in
biomedical devices. Understanding human skin presents challenges due to
its complex structure and variability influenced by age, gender, race
and environment. The paper discusses in vivo and ex vivo measurements,
substitute models replicating human skin properties and contact
mechanics considerations. It explores contact models, measurement
methods and factors impacting skin friction, emphasising the interplay
between adhesion and deformation components. Techniques such as atomic
force microscopy and the colloidal probe technique provide insights into
mechanical properties and molecular interactions. By comprehending the
complexities of human skin and its tribological behaviour, researchers
can develop innovative solutions in areas ranging from soft robotics to
medical research and aerospace technology.
Keywords:
tribology, biotribology, dermatology, skin, dermatribology, biomimetic.
Received: 21-07-2023, Revised: 07-08-2023, Accepted: 17-08-2023
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which allows users to distribute, remix, adapt,
and build upon the material in any medium or format for non-commercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
2 AC2T research GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Abstract: This review explores the intersection of tribology and dermatology, explicitly focusing on studying the human skin and drawing inspiration from natural systems. It investigates animal adaptations and their implications for biotribological applications, with examples such as the friction anisotropy and wear tolerance of snakeskin, the healing properties of fish skin and the lotus effect for reducing adhesion in biomedical devices. Understanding human skin presents challenges due to its complex structure and variability influenced by age, gender, race and environment. The paper discusses in vivo and ex vivo measurements, substitute models replicating human skin properties and contact mechanics considerations. It explores contact models, measurement methods and factors impacting skin friction, emphasising the interplay between adhesion and deformation components. Techniques such as atomic force microscopy and the colloidal probe technique provide insights into mechanical properties and molecular interactions. By comprehending the complexities of human skin and its tribological behaviour, researchers can develop innovative solutions in areas ranging from soft robotics to medical research and aerospace technology.
Keywords: tribology, biotribology, dermatology, skin, dermatribology, biomimetic.
Received: 21-07-2023, Revised: 07-08-2023, Accepted: 17-08-2023
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which allows users to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for non-commercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.