Methods & facilities

1. Lipid chemistry & analysis

Lipid synthesis
We design and synthesize skin barrier lipids, including ultralong-chain ceramides, ω-O-acylceramides and stable-isotope-labelled analogues for structural and functional studies.

LC-MS/MS lipidomics
Targeted LC-MS/MS enables us to characterize complex skin lipidomes, with a particular focus on ceramides and their precursors.

Chromatographic analysis and purification
HPLC and other chromatographic techniques are used for purification, identification and quantitative analysis of synthetic lipids and other compounds.

2. Lipid biophysics & structural methods

Infrared spectroscopy and confocal Raman microspectroscopy
We use vibrational spectroscopy to investigate lipid chain organization, phase behaviour, molecular interactions and spatial distribution in skin and model systems.

X-ray scattering
Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) reveal the lamellar organization and lateral packing of skin barrier lipids.

Langmuir films
We use Langmuir monolayers to study the organization, phase behaviour and interactions of skin lipids at the air–water interface. Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) provides direct visualization of lateral organization and domain formation, while Langmuir–Blodgett deposition enables controlled transfer of lipid monolayers and construction of multilayer assemblies on solid substrates for further structural and spectroscopic characterization.

Methods available through collaborations

Solid-state NMR and neutron diffraction provide complementary information on molecular dynamics, orientation and organization that cannot be obtained from conventional structural methods alone. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides nanoscale information on surface morphology and lipid organization, while quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) allows us to follow lipid adsorption and assembly at surfaces in real time.

3. Skin barrier models & functional studies

We work across different levels of skin barrier complexity – from defined lipid membranes and isolated stratum corneum to reconstructed epidermal models and human skin.

Human skin & reconstructed models
Used to connect molecular findings with barrier behaviour in biologically relevant systems.

Permeation studies
Franz diffusion cells are used to quantify topical and transdermal penetration of drugs and other compounds.

Barrier function
TEWL, electrical impedance and complementary measurements allow us to assess barrier integrity and its response to experimental interventions.