Evidence of elastic to plastic transition in the zona pellucida of oocytes using atomic force spectroscopy

Massimiliano Papi, L. Sylla, T. Parasassi, R. Brunelli, M. Monaci, Giuseppe Maulucci, M. Missori, G. Arcovito, F. Ursini, Marco De Spirito

Risultato della ricerca: Contributo in rivistaArticolo in rivistapeer review

42 Citazioni (Scopus)

Abstract

We have investigated the mechanical properties of the zona pellucida ZP , a multilayer glycoprotein coat that surrounds mammalian eggs, using atomic force spectroscopy. The response of the membrane to mechanical stress has been reconstructed using a modified Hertz model. The transition from elastic behavior, which occurs when low stress forces are applied characterized by a Young s modulus E= 22 5 kPa , toward plastic behavior is observed. The critical indentation necessary to induce plastic deformations occurs at yield= 550 50 nm. This high critical value, corresponding to two ZP layers, well supports the noncovalent long lifetimes of interactions that take place between constituent glycoproteins.
Lingua originaleEnglish
pagine (da-a)1-3
Numero di pagine3
RivistaApplied Physics Letters
Volume2009
Stato di pubblicazionePubblicato - 2009

Keywords

  • Atomic Force Spectroscopy
  • Zona Pellucida
  • elasticity

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