Characterization of Murine Excisional Wounds Using Atomic Force Microscopy Indentation

This study uses Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation to map the mechanical properties of murine skin wounds at two healing stages: day 7 and day 14. It finds that the hyperproliferative epithelium is initially stiffer than the underlying granulation tissue, which is softer than adjacent skin, with these differences diminishing over time. The study highlights that conventional AFM measurements may underestimate local stiffness by up to 50% due to surface roughness. By employing a biphasic constitutive model, the research provides insights into the mechanical environment's role in wound healing, resolving previous contradictions and offering a protocol for future mechanobiological studies.