Measuring electrically effect on skin of harmful exposures - using cationic membrane and electro-osmotic flux, simulating skin and perspiration

摘要

Appts. for measuring the effect of exposure to thermal, chemical or mechanical attack on the human skin makes use of the changes in the electrical field created in a cationic membrane subjected to electro-osmosis. The membrane closes one end of a cell, the other end of which is closed by a cover through which electrodes pass. The cell contains a soln. of KCl and hyaluronic acid (10-2M) in proportions similar to those in the skin. The membrane is subjected by electro-osmosis to a flow of water and anions similar to perspiration. The electric field created in its thickness is measured by gold electrodes. One is solid and lies against the inner surface, the other is a deposit of colloidal gold on the outer surface, several microns thick so that it does not affect the behaviour of the membrane. The field of the membrane, hydrated by electrolysis, varies when the membrane is subjected to attack. It is measured by a millivoltmeter connected to a recorder. The harmful effect of thermal, chemical or mechanical attack on a membrane can be measured electrically and this measurement can be directly related to the effect on the human skin. The size and weight of the appts. are such that detection of a point effect is feasible. The electrical measurements can be used to compare 1st an 2nd degree burns. Such attacks as exposure to nuclear explosion and the sun can be explored.