Native Tissues
Elastosens™ Bio Applications
Native biological tissues—such as cartilage, skin, blood vessels, brain, and muscle—are complex, water-rich structures whose mechanical behavior is inherently viscoelastic. Rather than behaving purely like solids or liquids, they exhibit time-dependent responses that arise from the interaction between extracellular matrix components, interstitial fluids, and living cells. This viscoelastic nature governs how tissues deform, absorb energy, and recover under physiological conditions such as compression, shear, and cyclic loading.
Measuring the viscoelastic properties of native tissues is essential in the biomedical field. Mechanical characterization helps differentiate healthy and diseased states, supports the development of biomaterials and tissue-engineered constructs, and guides medical device design. By quantifying parameters such as storage and loss moduli, researchers can better understand tissue function, monitor pathological changes, and design therapies that more closely replicate or restore natural biomechanics.
Applications on Native Tissues
The peritoneal membrane is a thin, semi-permeable tissue whose mechanical behavior is closely tied to its structure, vascular network, and ability to withstand pressure-driven fluid movement. During normal function or during peritoneal dialysis, the membrane is continuously subjected to osmotic gradients, hydrostatic pressures, and shifts in tissue hydration—each of which reveals aspects of its mechanical performance.
The pericardium plays a central role in modulating how the heart fills, moves, and interacts with its surrounding structures. Its mechanical behavior—defined by properties such as elasticity, stiffness, anisotropy, and resistance to bending—helps maintain the heart’s shape, stabilize its position, and distribute load during every cardiac cycle.
The pancreas is a small but complex organ whose function depends not only on biochemical signaling but also on the physical environment of its tissue. Its mechanical properties—such as stiffness, elasticity, and viscoelasticity—are shaped by the structure of the parenchyma and the extracellular matrix.
The aorta is a highly specialized elastic artery designed to buffer the pulsatile output of the heart and maintain smooth, continuous blood flow throughout the body. Its wall is composed of elastin, collagen, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue arranged in a layered structure that gives rise to complex mechanical behavior.
Mechanical Testing for Native Tissues
ElastoSens™ Bio enables real-time, non-contact mechanical characterization of native tissues. Tissue samples can be placed directly into the available sample holders (macro, micro, or membrane) and tested with minimal preparation, while temperature and environmental conditions are precisely controlled to preserve their native properties. Mechanical parameters are displayed instantly on the tablet, providing immediate and quantitative insight into tissue viscoelasticity and functional state.
In this example, samples from porcine and ovine hearts were punched and placed directly into the macro-volume sample holder for a 1-minute test. Porcine heart tissue exhibited a higher shear storage modulus (G′ = 7.8 ± 1.3 kPa) compared to ovine (4.1 ± 1.3 kPa), indicating greater stiffness and elastic energy storage.
Scientists can now characterize native tissues to distinguish healthy from diseased states and evaluate new therapies—using a gentle technology that preserves the complex microstructure directly linked to tissue function.
Benefits of Contact-Free, Non-Invasive Measurements with the Elastosens™ Bio
- Non-destructively measure the viscoelastic properties of native tissues, from soft organs to thin membranes and biopsies.
- Apply controlled thermal and environmental conditions to study tissue behavior under physiologically relevant stimuli.
- Monitor the same sample over time to evaluate structural or functional changes without damage.
- Access advanced Soft Matter Analytics™ for reliable and in-depth biomechanical insights.
- Improve repeatability while accelerating research and quality control workflows.
- Work in a sterile, cell-friendly environment with an intuitive system designed for biologists and clinicians.
- Benefit from a modular, scalable solution tailored to your laboratory needs and budget.