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Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation of Vocal Fold Collagen
Author(s) -
Sivasankar Mahalakshmi,
Ivanisevic Albena
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e3180caa1df
Subject(s) - lamina propria , nanoscopic scale , extracellular matrix , lamina , atomic force microscopy , materials science , ultimate tensile strength , biophysics , anatomy , vocal folds , type i collagen , electron microscope , microscopy , fold (higher order function) , biomedical engineering , chemistry , composite material , nanotechnology , pathology , optics , epithelium , biology , computer science , medicine , biochemistry , larynx , programming language , physics
Objectives: Collagen is an important constituent of the vocal fold extracellular matrix and is necessary for providing tensile strength and maintaining tissue geometry. Traditional investigations of vocal fold collagen using light and electron microscopy do not provide information on the organization and mechanical properties of collagen in native topographic state. The primary objective of this study was to use Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to examine the surface characteristics and organization of collagen in the deep layer of the lamina propria at nanoscale resolution. Study Design: Experimental in vitro design. Methods: Freshly dissected porcine vocal folds were mounted on AFM discs and imaged under contact and tapping mode to obtain information on topographic distribution of collagen. Results: AFM imaging of the deep layer of the lamina propria revealed dense, abundant collagen fibers with a characteristic banding pattern. The distribution of collagen was heterogeneous, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions within a sample. Conclusions: AFM offers a useful tool to obtain topographic information about biologic samples at nanoscale resolution with minimal sample preparation. Mapping the topography and mechanical properties of vocal fold collagen is necessary for designing rheologically compatible bioimplants for the treatment of dysphonia resulting from vocal fold scarring and bowing.