Mechanistic multilayer model for non-invasive bioimpedance of intact skin

Abstract

An approximate semi-analytical solution based on a Hankel transform of a mechanistic model for electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is derived for a non-invasive axisymmetric concentric probe with m electrodes measuring the response of n layers of human skin. We validate the semi-analytical solution for the case when the skin is treated as a three-layer entity - (i) stratum corneum, (ii) viable skin comprising living epidermis and dermis and (iii) adipose tissue - on the volar forearm in the frequency range 1 kHz to 1 MHz with experimental EIS measurements of 120 young subjects. Overall, we find good agreement for both the mean magnitude and phase of the impedance as well as the natural variability between subjects. Finally, the semi-analytical solution is verified with the full set of equations solved numerically: Good agreement is found for the point-wise potential distribution in the three skin layers.