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NMF-scan

NMF

Our skin constitutes a formidable barrier between our body and the outside world. It prevents uncontrolled loss of water and keeps chemicals and micro-organisms out. Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) plays an important role in keeping this barrier intact. This mixture of salts and amino acid(-derivatives) constitutes about 25% of the dry weight of the stratum corneum. NMF derives to a large extent from the enzymatic breakdown of filaggrin: one of the main skin proteins.

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mutations

Not everybody produces sufficient NMF to keep the skin healthy. About 10 percent of the population is born with an impaired skin barrier, caused by a filaggrin-gene mutation. This mutation results in a low NMF concentration in the skin. Many children who are born with such a mutation develop atopic dermatitis and allergies. One hypothesis is that this is caused by an increased exposure to environmental allergens.

the NMF scan

The NMF scan is a prototype of a device for quick and easy non-invasive determination of the NMF concentration in the skin. In collaboration with hospitals in Ireland, Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands we are exploring several use cases:

  • Identification of newborns at increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis (AD).
  • Identification of people at risk of developing occupation-related skin conditions.
  • Stratification of AD-patients to enable personalized disease management and treatment.
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publications

In vivo Raman spectroscopy discriminates between FLG loss-of-function carriers vs wild-type in day 1-4 neonates
C. ni Chaoimh, et al.

Ann Aller Asthma Immunol; 124:500-504 (2020)

Natural moisturizing factor as a clinical marker in atopic dermatitis
A.E.M. Nouwen, et al.

Allergy; 75:188-239 (2020)

Raman Profiles of the Stratum Corneum Define 3 Filaggrin Genotype-Determined Atopic Dermatitis Endophenotypes
G.M. O'Regan, et al.

J. Allergy Clin Immunol; 236:574-580 (2010)

Natural moisturizing factor as a biomarker for filaggrin mutation status in a multi‐ethnic paediatric atopic dermatitis cohort
M.M.F. van Mierlo, et al.

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY (early access); 1: (2021)