Multi-scale corneal biomechanical characterization using Atomic Force Microscopy

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目的目标是开发能够执行多尺度角膜生物力学表征的定制原子力显微镜（AFM）系统。将开发能够在纳米尺度和宏观尺度上进行角膜弹性和粘弹性表征的定制AFM仪器和技术。本项目将应用于角膜力学领域，以临床为重点，了解角膜交联的机制和有效性，这是治疗圆锥角膜的一种很有前景的选择。利用所开发的仪器和模型所获得的交联角膜和正常角膜的纳米尺度和体积力学表征结果，将量化角膜交联对角膜机械强度的影响。该项目的三个具体目标是：目标1：开发仪器，使AFM表征纳米尺度和大块角膜的生物力学特性；目标2：开发一个模型，从压痕深度分析确定角膜的大块特性；目标3：定量交联对角膜生物力学特性的影响原子力显微镜的多尺度角膜生物力学表征能力的发展将增加对角膜生物力学的认识。这种认识不仅可以提高客观测量角膜交联有效性的能力，而且还可以扩展到其他角膜诊断和治疗方法，青光眼，以及其他眼部组织。

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.