No Access Submitted: 20 December 2013 Accepted: 28 February 2014 Published Online: 13 March 2014
Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 103703 (2014); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4868388
We apply the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping (PFQNM) atomic force microscopy mode for the investigation of regional variations in the nanomechanical properties of porcine sclera. We examine variations in the collagen fibril diameter, adhesion, elastic modulus and dissipation in the posterior, equatorial and anterior regions of the sclera. The mean fibril diameter, elastic modulus and dissipation increased from the posterior to the anterior region. Collagen fibril diameter correlated linearly with elastic modulus. Our data matches the known macroscopic mechanical behavior of the sclera. We propose that PFQNM has significant potential in ocular biomechanics and biophysics research.
We are grateful for funding from the European network on Applications of Atomic Force Microscopy to NanoMedicine and Life Sciences COST Action for M.P.'s visit to University of Liverpool as part of a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM). R.A. is particularly grateful to Dr. Christian Couppé and Dr. Rene Svensson (University of Copenhagen) for helpful discussions regarding collagen fibril morphology and mechanical properties. Gemma Charlesworth (Eye and Vision Sciences Department, University of Liverpool) must be thanked for sample preparation.

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