Hierarchical biomechanical characterisation of riboflavin-UVA crosslinking and decorin treatment in the porcine cornea.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The mechanisms underpinning the stiffening and stabilising effect of riboflavin/UVA crosslinking on the corneal stroma are not well understood. We report the findings of a biomechanics and synchrotron X-ray scattering study aimed at quantifying hierarchical strain mechanisms in treated and untreated porcine corneas. We applied the same approach to specimens treated with human recombinant decorin core protein, in isolation and in conjunction with riboflavin/UVA.

Methods

Tensile testing was carried out in conjunction with simultaneous synchrotron X-ray scattering. Diffraction peaks associated with the interfibrillar spacing and D-period of collagen were fit to bespoke models to quantify fibril elongation and reorientation under load.

Results

Riboflavin/UVA

SUBMITTER: Bell JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12504365 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature