Jacob R. Bow

Research Interests

Biomechanical Impacts of Skin Treatments

My current research focuses on the interactions of a variety of topically applied compound with skin structures.  These include common naturally-derived additives such as vitamin and antioxidant species, as well as novel molecular species for advanced and targeted skin treatments.  By analyzing the impact these treatments have on the biomechanical behavior and response of the stratum corneum, we can garner new insights into their interactions with the lipid and protein structures of the skin.  In particular, I am interested in discerning how each of these structures individually interacts with applied compounds.  This can be difficult to distinguish, given the complex and highly multifaceted nature of the skin’s mechanical responses; however, by combining a variety of precise mechanical probes with spectroscopic and chemical analysis techniques, the individual contributions of each skin component can be understood.  This knowledge, in turn, opens avenues for improved and novel formulation technologies.  Anything from cosmetic products to topical medicines can be enhanced through a detailed understanding of the role of mechanics in determining treatment efficacy.My current research focuses on the interactions of a variety of common topical compounds (in particular vitamin and antioxidant species) with skin structures.  By analyzing the impact these treatments have on the biomechanical behavior and response of the stratum corneum, we can garner new insights into their interactions with the lipid and protein structures of the skin; this in turn opens avenues for improved and novel formulation technologies.  Anything from cosmetic products to topical medicines can be enhanced through a detailed understanding of the role of mechanics in determining treatment efficacy.

Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=93YOcCoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Conference Proceedings and Presentations

• Jacob R. Bow, Krysta Biniek, and R. H. Dauskardt, “Interactions of Biomolecular Antioxidants with Lipid and Protein Tissue Components”, Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 10, 2015.
• Jacob R. Bow and R. H. Dauskardt, “Effects of the Topical Antioxidant a-Tocopherol on the Intercellular Cohesion of Human Stratum Corneum”, Science of Adhesion Go­­­rdon Research Conference, South Hadley, MA, July 26-31, 2015.­
• Jacob R. Bow and R. H. Dauskardt, “Vitamin E and Human Skin:  A Biomechanical Approach”, SystemX Alliance Fall Conference, Stanford, CA, November 17-19, 2015.­

Awards

• Burt and Deedee McMurtry Fellow, 2013
• Alumni Award for Excellence, University of Idaho, 2013
• Goldwater Scholar, 2011
• ASM Foundation National Merit Scholar, 2008-2012