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

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      Journal of Structural Biology
      Elsevier BV

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          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.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Journal of Structural Biology
          Journal of Structural Biology
          Elsevier BV
          10478477
          July 2009
          July 2009
          : 167
          : 1
          : 19-24
          Article
          10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.012
          2747323
          19341800
          5f3ddeff-ea88-468b-ab62-743b1be483b0
          © 2009

          https://www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/

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