Hardness Testing Of Soft Biomaterials And Hydrogels By Indentation Analysis

By Dan Hudgins, Ph.D., Lead Scientist, Anton Paar

The physical and structural properties of human tissue change significantly due to differences in nutrition and aging, as well as injury and the associated healing and repair process. Therefore, facilitating the healing process ― and also developing artificial materials that mimic human tissue ― requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanical properties of tissues at the micrometer (µm) and nanometer (nm) levels. One of the primary ways this understanding is achieved is through the testing process known as nanoindentation. As nanoindentation methods have evolved, so too have the innovative solutions for performing this critical testing, such as the Bioindenter instrument from Anton Paar. This commercially available nanoindentation device provides precise control of indentation loads and depths with the required resolution to characterize soft materials.