Use of Hair Pores to Determine the Orientation of Collagen Fibers in Skin

The study introduced a novel, non-invasive optical method to determine collagen-fiber orientation in calf leather by analyzing the anisotropic shape of hair pores, which closely resembled those in skin. This method correlated strongly with existing techniques and provided insights into the mechanical properties of skin, crucial for successful skin grafts. It was found that matching the collagen-fiber orientation of grafted and surrounding skin reduced contraction issues, while mismatched orientations led to significant contraction. The study suggested potential clinical applications for improving skin graft outcomes and understanding skin function and aging.