Correlation of discoloration and biomechanical properties in porcine sclera induced by genipin

摘要

·AIM: To study the feasibility of using the discoloration to evaluate the biomechanical properties after treating with genipin.·METHODS: Porcine cadaver eyes were treated for30 min with 1.0%(by w/v) genipin. Untreated samples were used as controls. After treatment, scleral strips of4.0 ×10.0-mm2 were cut. The denaturation temperature(Td) measurement and stress-strain test were performed after taking photograph to analyze the color.·RESULTS: Within 24 h after treating with genipin, the sclera exhibited a bluish color which became deeper with time. And the denaturation temperature also was increased gradually. Compared with untreated groups, at1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h after treatment, the ultimate stress were increased by 56%, 153%, 173%, 225% and 211%respectively. The Young’s modulus at 10% strain also increased by 170%, 246%, 264%, 389% and 288%respectively. There were strong correlation between the discoloration and the biomechanical properties(ΔE-Ultimate stress:R2=0.892, P =0.00; ΔE-Young’s modulus:R2=0.602, P =0.00).·CONCLUSION: Genipin could be used to strengthen collagen gradually in a relatively short time span. And the biomechanical properties could be reliably evaluated via simple visible discoloration.