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Puncture Characterization of Biological and Bio-Inspired Materials.
Jennifer R Quigley1, Gabriela Moreira Lana1, Alfred J Crosby1
1Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Puncture testing characterizes soft materials by integrating fracture mechanics and elasticity. This review surveys its application to biological and bio-inspired materials, offering a framework for data analysis and future research.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Puncture is a widespread natural phenomenon with diverse functions.
- Puncture testing integrates fracture mechanics, elasticity, and contact phenomena for material characterization.
- It is particularly effective for analyzing biological tissues and bio-inspired materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review puncture characterization theory and experimental results.
- To survey applications in biological, bio-derived, and bio-mimetic materials.
- To provide a framework for organizing and analyzing puncture data.
Main Methods:
- Overview of puncture characterization theory.
- Survey of experimental puncture results across various soft solids.
- Analysis of factors influencing puncture outcomes (probe size/shape, sample geometry, rate-dependence).
Main Results:
- Puncture testing estimates properties like elastic modulus and fracture toughness.
- Variability in biological materials complicates direct comparisons.
- Scaling relationships and survey methodology aid in trend identification.
Conclusions:
- Puncture testing offers a practical framework for soft material characterization.
- Emerging opportunities include high-throughput biomaterials screening and cell culture analysis.
- Further research can refine theory and expand applications.
