Material characterization of porcine lenticular soluble proteins

Matthew A. Reilly, Brian Rapp, Paul D. Hamilton, Amy Q. Shen, Nathan Ravi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The soluble proteins present in the ocular lens impart important optical and dynamic mechanical properties on the lens. The short-range order of crystallin proteins grants transparency to a very concentrated protein solution. This unique protein system directly enables proper visual function of the eye. These proteins were investigated in steady and oscillatory shear. Steady shear data were fitted with a modified Herschel- Bulkley yield stress model that allows for a Newtonian plateau at low shear rates. The Cox-Merz rule was used in conjunction with large amplitude oscillatory shear to give insight into the degradation of the fluid structure with increasing strain. The shear thinning viscoelastic behavior of these proteins gives rise to beneficial mechanical properties and results from the same short-range order granting optical transparency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1519-1526
Number of pages8
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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