Characterization of Lens Capsule Dynamic and Structural Properties using Confocal and Scanning Probe Microscopy Techniques

Techniques were developed to characterize the structural and dynamic properties of the human lens capsule in its in situ location surrounding the lens. It was hypothesized that both properties change significantly with age, potentially contributing to the development of age-related cataracts. The nanostructure of the outer surface of the human lens capsule was imaged via atomic force microscopy. Transport of proteins relevant to lens biology was quantified within the human lens capsule using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Results indicate that both the ultrastructure and transport properties of the human lens capsule change with age. It was concluded that the dynamic transport property of the lens capsule cannot be predicted solely by its structure. Further research using these novel techniques may be conducted to determine the effectiveness of potential carriers for the pharmacological prevention and treatment of cataract