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Combining Unique Planar Biaxial Testing with Full-Field Thickness and Displacement Measurement for Spatial
Daniel Pearce1, Mark Nemcek1, Colleen Witzenburg1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Current Protocols
|July 18, 2022
Summary
This study presents accessible methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of heterogeneous soft tissues. These protocols enable accurate measurement of spatial variations in tissue behavior, crucial for understanding function and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Tissue Mechanics
Background:
- Soft tissues exhibit complex microstructures essential for function.
- Tissue mechanical properties vary spatially due to development and adaptation to loading.
- Investigating this heterogeneity is challenging due to limitations in experimental protocols and analysis tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail accessible protocols for the mechanical characterization of anisotropic, heterogeneous soft tissues and tissue analogs.
- To enable accurate capture of spatial variations in mechanical behavior.
- To provide a route for addressing tissue heterogeneity in research.
Main Methods:
- Developed a series of mechanical tests to maximize inhomogeneous strain fields and in-plane shear forces.
- Utilized a customized, 3D-printable gripping system to minimize tissue handling and enhance shear.
- Employed high-resolution imaging and laser micrometry for full-field displacement and thickness measurements.
Main Results:
- The presented protocols facilitate detailed mechanical characterization of soft tissues.
- The methods allow for the capture of full-field displacement and thickness variations.
- The experimental setup is accessible using commercially available equipment.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocols offer an accessible method for studying soft tissue heterogeneity.
- These techniques can advance the understanding of soft tissue mechanics and adaptation.
- The findings support the investigation of complex biological materials.
