Understanding the dynamics of biological colloids to elucidate cataract formation and develop a methodology for its early diagnosis

作者：Yannopoulos S N^*; Petta V

来源：Philosophical Magazine, 2008, 88(33-35): 4161-4168.

DOI：10.1080/14786430802603746

• biological colloids
• dynamic light scattering
• lens opacification
• cold cataract
• protein dynamics

The eye lens is the most notable example of mammalian tissues exhibiting complex colloidal behavior. In this paper, we briefly describe how dynamics in colloidal suspensions can address selected aspects of cataracts, which is ultimately related to protein self-assembly under pathological conditions. Results from dynamic light-scattering of eye lens homogenates over a wide protein concentration were analyzed and the various relaxation modes were identified in terms of collective and self-diffusion processes. Using this information as an input, the complex relaxation pattern of the intact lens nucleus was rationalized. The model of cold cataract - a phase separation effect of the lens cytoplasm with cooling was used to simulate a lens cataract under in vitro conditions to determine the correlation function parameters, which could be used as reliable indicators of cataract onset. The applicability of dynamic light scattering as a non-invasive, early diagnostic tool for ocular diseases is also demonstrated in light of these findings.

• 出版日期2008