Microstructural imaging of the eye and mechanical mapping of retinal tissue using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Alhasawi, Asia Ahmed (2016) Microstructural imaging of the eye and mechanical mapping of retinal tissue using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the structures and mechanical properties of mouse eyes in correspondence with their functions. Moreover, my work places particular emphasis on the retina as it is associated with several diseases. To measure the mechanical properties of retinal tissue, eye samples of mice are taken and analyzed utilizing Force Spectroscopy to determine the Young’s modulus. Force mapping of the sample is done by nanoindentation (force curves), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is used to image the topography of our sample. AFM and force mapping provide key information on the nanoscale mechanical properties and structure of normal tissue. This fine level of detail provides insight on a length scale relevant to an individual cell. Our results also provide a baseline structure to enable the identification of mechanical indicators for disease. Most of the diseases that affect the eyes, including glaucoma and macular degenerations involve structural changes in the eyes, for example, affecting the photoreceptor or degeneration of layers thus causing eye damage. Damage on the nanoscale is not obvious given that research in that area is still underdeveloped. Therefore, the use of nanomechanical mapping has proved to be very useful because of providing in-depth knowledge regarding the characteristic microstructure and mechanical features of the normal eye.

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