Photoacoustic investigation of maghemite-based BSA nanocomposite

Maghemite-based bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanocomposites have been investigated using photoacustic spectroscopy (PAS). Features in the PAS spectra were analyzed in terms of three bands (band-C, band-S, and band-L). Though the observed PAS peak positions are insensitive to the nanoparticle concentration the PAS peak intensity displays a different behaviour. For band-C the PAS intensity scales almost linearly with the nanoparticle concentration in the hosting template. Nevertheless, it was found that the PAS intensity of band-L scales sub-linearly with the nanoparticle concentration.

Biophysical techniques used to evaluate the stratum corneum

Assortments of biophysical methods are used to the study the stratum corneum morphology and dynamic with the objective to elucidate the correlation between its structure and functions. Among these methods, there are: X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy with Fourrier transform, infrared spectroscopy and photoacustic spectroscopy. In this manuscript, methods are presented and discussed in relation to the use indication, interpretation of results and advantages and limitations to the stratum corneum analysis.