Effect of the 1,450 nm diode non-ablative laser on collagen expression in an artificial skin model

Background and Objective: The 1,450-nm Smooth-beam™ Laser is a diode laser equipped with a cryogen cooling spray. Primary objectives were to evaluate the effects of this non-ablative laser on Apligraf® (bioengineered skin-substitute) and to document its use as a model for non-ablative procedures. We also measured the effects of laser fluence levels on collagen and elastin expression. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Three sheets of Apligraf® were used for this study. Each received six separate laser applications at 4J, 6J, 8J, 10J, 12J, and 14J. The sheets were then incubated with 10% CO ₂ at 37°C and samples were collected and analyzed 3 days later, using RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Results: Collagen III expressions significantly increased in both mRNA and protein levels at approximately 12J. Conclusions: There appears to be a threshold effect where there is very little increased collagen III mRNA and protein expression until the laser fluence reaches around 12J.