Multi-scale corneal biomechanical characterization using Atomic Force Microscopy

描述(申请人提供)：该项目的目标是开发定制的原子力显微镜(AFM)系统，能够执行多尺度的角膜生物力学表征。将开发定制的AFM仪器和技术，能够在纳米和宏观长度尺度上表征角膜弹性和粘弹性。该项目将应用于具有特定临床焦点的角膜力学领域，以了解角膜交联的机制和有效性，这是治疗圆锥角膜的一种有前途的选择。利用所开发的仪器和模型所获得的交联体和正常角膜的纳米级和整体力学表征结果，将量化交联体对角膜机械强度的影响。本项目的三个具体目标是：目标1：开发能够用原子力显微镜表征纳米级和块状角膜生物力学特性的仪器。目标2：建立一个模型来根据压痕深度分析确定角膜的体积特性。目标3：量化交联剂对角膜生物力学特性的影响。利用原子力显微镜发展多尺度角膜生物力学表征能力将增强对角膜生物力学的认识。这种洞察力不仅将提高客观测量角膜交联剂有效性的能力，而且还可以扩展到其他角膜诊断和治疗方法，青光眼等眼组织。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this project is to develop custom atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems capable of performing multi-scale corneal biomechanical characterization. Custom AFM instrumentation and techniques capable of corneal elasticity and viscoelasticity characterization at the nanoscale and macroscale length scales will be developed. This project will be applied to the field of corneal mechanics with a particular clinical focus to understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of corneal crosslinking, which is a promising treatment option for keratoconus. Using the nanoscale and bulk mechanical characterization results of crosslinked and normal corneas from the developed instrumentation and model, the effect of corneal crosslinking on corneal mechanical strength will be quantifies. The three specific aims of this project are: Aim 1: Develop instrumentation to enable the AFM characterization of the nanoscale and bulk corneal biomechanical properties Aim 2: Develop a model to determine corneal bulk properties from indentation depth analysis Aim 3: Quantify the effect of crosslinking on the biomechanical properties of the cornea The development of multi-scale corneal biomechanical characterization capability using atomic force microscopy will enhance knowledge regarding corneal biomechanics. Such insight will not only improve the ability to objectively measure the effectiveness of corneal crosslinking, but can also be expanded to other corneal diagnostic and treatment methods, glaucoma, and other ocular tissues.