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Nanoscale mechanics of brain abscess: An atomic force microscopy study
Eleonora Minelli1, Tanya Enny Sassun2, Massimiliano Papi1
1Physics Institute, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo F. Vito, 1, Rome, 00168, Italy.
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|June 30, 2018
Summary
This study reveals the distinct mechanical properties of human brain abscess layers using atomic force microscopy. Understanding these properties can aid in developing new surgical tools and mechanical models for brain abscess treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Mechanical forces significantly impact brain health and disease.
- Brain abscesses (BA) cause substantial mechanical deformation and neurological deficits.
- Previous studies lacked detailed mechanical characterization of BA tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first nano-mechanical characterization of human brain abscess tissues.
- To investigate the viscoelastic behavior of individual BA layers.
- To provide data for improved surgical interventions and mechanical models.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in spectroscopy mode was used.
- Surgically removed human brain abscess tissues were analyzed.
- Apparent Young's modulus (E) and AFM hysteresis (H) were measured for each layer.
Main Results:
- The brain abscess was modeled as a three-layer structure: cerebritis, collagen capsule, and internal inflammatory border.
- Mechanical properties varied significantly across layers: Cerebritis (E: 94±5 kPa, H: 0.37±0.01), Capsule (E: 1.04±0.05 MPa, H: 0.10±0.01), Border (E: 9.8±0.4 kPa, H: 0.57±0.01).
Conclusions:
- This study provides a comprehensive mechanical profile of brain abscess layers.
- Findings can inform the design of novel surgical instruments for BA treatment.
- Results support the development of advanced mechanical models for BA progression and brain compression.
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