Characterization of collagen fibers in Bruch's membrane using chemical force microscopy.
Bruch's membrane is a layer composed of collagen fibers located just beneath the retina. This study validates a strategy used to map the morphological and adhesion characteristics of collagen fibers in Bruch's membrane. Atomic force microscopy tips were functionalized with different chemical groups and used to map the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions on the surface of the eye tissue. The largest adhesion forces were observed when tips functionalized with NH(2) groups were used. The trend in the adhesion forces was rationalized based on the distribution of different functional groups in the triple-helical structure of the collagen fibers. The results of this study can be used to design more effective strategies to treat eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
Mallick
Shrestha Basu
SB
Department of Physics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Bhagwandin
Sandhya
S
Ivanisevic
Albena
A
D000268:Adhesiveness; D000818:Animals; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008954:Models, Biological; D013499:Surface Properties; D013552:Swine
D003094:Collagen