EFFECT OF OLEIC-ACID ON HUMAN EPIDERMIS - FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION

The effect of oleic acid on the human epidermis was studied using phas e-modulated fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence lifetime and limit ing anisotropy of a membrane fluorophore 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene were measured in human epidermis treated with donor formulations cont aining 0-5% oleic acid. Transport of benzoic acid across human epiderm is was also measured under these conditions. The flux enhancement, cha nges in the spectral parameters, and uptake of oleic acid into epiderm is showed a saturation effect with increasing OA concentration in the formulation. There was a strong correlation between the flux enhanceme nt and the fluorescence lifetime and limiting anisotropy. The present study demonstrates the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to follow the effect of a chemical perturbant on skin structure.