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PMID: 19341800 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Determining the mechanical properties of human corneal basement membranes with atomic force microscopy.

Journal of structural biology ·Vol. 167 ·No. 1 ·2009-07-00 ·Pages 19-24

Last JA, Liliensiek SJ, Nealey PF, Murphy CJ

Abstract

Biophysical cues such as substrate modulus have been shown to influence a variety of cell behaviors. We have determined the elastic modulus of the anterior basement membrane and Descemet's membrane of the human cornea with atomic force microscopy (AFM). A spherical probe was used with a radius approximating that of a typical cell focal adhesion. Values obtained for the elastic modulus of the anterior basement membrane range from 2 to 15 kPa, with a mean of 7.5+/-4.2 kPa. The elastic modulus of Descemet's membrane was found to be slightly higher than those observed for the anterior basement membrane, with a mean of 50+/-17.8 kPa and a range of 20-80 kPa. The topography of Descemet's membrane has been shown to be similar to that of the anterior basement, but with smaller pore sizes resulting in a more tightly packed structure. This structural difference may account for the observed modulus differences. The determination of these values will allow for the design of a better model of the cellular environment as well as aid in the design and fabrication of artificial corneas.

MeSH Terms
Aged Basement Membrane/cytology,physiology Biomechanical Phenomena Cornea/cytology Humans In Vitro Techniques Microscopy, Atomic Force/methods Middle Aged
Authors & Affiliations
4 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Last Julie A
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Liliensiek Sara J
Nealey Paul F
Murphy Christopher J
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Article Info
Journal
Journal of structural biology
Abbr.
J Struct Biol
ISSN
1095-8657
DOI
10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.012
Published
2009-07-00
Epub
2009-00-31
Pages
19-24
Language
English
Region
United States
NLM ID
9011206
PMCID
PMC2747323
Subset
IM
Grants
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY016134-02 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · P30 EY016665 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY017367-01A1 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · 5R01EY016134-02 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY012253-02 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY016134-01A2 · United States
NCI NIH HHS · 1R01CA133567-01 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY012253 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY017367 · United States
NEI NIH HHS · R01 EY016134 · United States
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.012 PMC Full Text View journal details
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