Structure and Mechanical Properties of Embryonic Murine Bone and Cartilage
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Gifford-Mahany, Julian
Area of Honors:
Engineering Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Joan Richtsmeier, Thesis Supervisor Gary L. Gray, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
AFM Meckel's Cartilage Craniofacial Development Liquid AFM
Abstract:
Bone and cartilage material properties are well characterized through investigations including atomic force microscopy (AFM), though most investigations focus on fully developed or mature bone being tested in air. In this research, we used AFM to characterize the cell-level environment of embryonic craniofacial cartilage and bone with topographical and force vs. distance data transformed into elastic modulus in the laboratory mouse. Our goal was to accumulate these data to aid in understanding the relative roles of craniofacial bone and cartilage during embryogenesis. These data also include the extent of tissue mineralization and microstructure through optical microscopy. With these data, we investigate the ultrastructure of these tissues and attempt to establish a common AFM scanning protocol for future investigations into small-scale biological materials. These data show the relationship between the elastic modulus of permanent bone and temporary cartilage used as scaffolding.
