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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 19-24 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Structural Biology |
Volume | 167 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
- Basement membrane
- Cornea
- Modulus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Structural Biology