Experimental validation for the interconversion between generalized Kelvin-Voigt and Maxwell models using human skin...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Mechanobiology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Mechanical properties of biological systems offer insights into function and disease.
• Viscoelasticity, combining fluid-like (viscosity) and solid-like (elasticity) behaviors, is crucial for studying biomaterials, cells, and tissues.
• Existing mathematical models (e.g., Kelvin-Voigt, Maxwell) have poor parameter transferability across models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the mathematical equivalence between generalized Maxwell and generalized Kelvin-Voigt models.
• To address the challenge of poor transferability and enable interconversion of parameters between models.
• To provide a foundation for accurate and objective analysis of mechanical properties across diverse viscoelastic models.

Main Methods:

• Employed two distinct approaches: indirect Maxwell model-based Kelvin-Voigt estimation and direct curve fitting-based Kelvin-Voigt estimation.
• Utilized human melanoma skin tissues for parameter estimation.
• Applied the Prony series for estimating viscoelastic properties.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated no significant difference in estimated parameters and viscoelastic properties between the two estimation approaches.
• Showed no significant differences between the two patients studied.
• Provided the first experimental validation of mathematical interconversion between generalized Maxwell and Kelvin-Voigt models.

Conclusions:

• The equivalence between generalized Maxwell and Kelvin-Voigt models is experimentally validated.
• This validated interconversion enables accurate and objective analysis and comparison of mechanical properties across different viscoelastic models.
• Facilitates a unified approach to understanding the mechanical behavior of biological tissues.