In utero, during the last trimester of gestation, the fetus is covered by a protective biofilm called Vernix caseosa (VC). One of the major problems in preterm delivery is the immature epidermal barrier and the absence of VÇ. When examining the structure of VC with electron microscopic studies, it appeared that the structure is very similar to that of the upper protecting layer of the skin, the Stratum corneum (SC). From this point of view it is important to evaluate the structural similarities and differences of VC and SC, in order to examine the concept that VC functions as a “mobile phase ” SC.
This study aimed to determine the water content of VC and to examine the lipid organization of VC and human SC by Transmission FT1R Spectroscopy. The initial water content of VC was 79.33 ±1.10%, The experimental Transmission-FTIR data obtained in this study indicated that the orthorhombic lipid chain packing in VC is absent which is different from the lipid phase behavior in SC.
Keywords: Vernix caseosa, Stratum Corneum, FTIR Spectroscopy