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 originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 1-3 |
Numero di pagine | 3 |
Rivista | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 2009 |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2009 |
Keywords
- Atomic Force Spectroscopy
- Zona Pellucida
- elasticity