Ageing modulates human dermal fibroblast contractility: Quantification using nano-biomechanical testing

Dermal fibroblasts play a key role in maintaining homoeostasis and functionality of the skin. Their contractility plays changes observed during ageing, especially processes such as wound healing, inflammation, wrinkling scar tissue formation well structural on extracellular matrix. Although alternations skin physiology morphology have been previously described, there remains paucity information about influence chronological ageing dermal fibroblast contractility. In this study, we applied novel nano-biomechanical technique cell-embedded collagen hydrogels combination with mathematical modelling numerical simulation to measure contraction forces normal human (NHDF). We achieved quantitative differentiation cells derived from ‘young’ (< 30 years old) ‘aged’ (> 60 donors. Transforming growth factor ?1 (TGF-?1) was used stimulate assess their contractile potential. NHDF aged donors exhibited greater basal force, while contrast, young shown significantly larger force response TGF-?1 treatment. These findings validate our measurement provide new insights for considering regenerative medicine biomarker processes. • Aged are more than cells. Young responsive stimulation transforming ?1. Contractility change may be ageing. Nanobiomechanical tester enables cell-friendly quantification Finite element simulations gauge range theoretical analyses.