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 brain’s ability to regulate cognitive, sensory, and motor functions depends not only on its complex network of neurons and signaling pathways but also on the unique mechanical behavior of its tissue. Brain matter is exceptionally soft, heterogeneous, and sensitive to deformation, which makes its mechanical properties central to both normal function and vulnerability to injury.
The spleen is a soft, vascular organ whose structure is closely linked to its roles in blood filtration, immune defense, and hematological balance. Its tissue mechanics—such as stiffness, elasticity, and viscoelasticity—are important markers of both normal physiology and pathological change. Alterations in these properties often mirror systemic conditions, making the spleen an informative window into overall health.
The lungs are highly specialized organs whose mechanical behavior underlies their ability to sustain gas exchange. Properties such as elasticity, stiffness, and compliance determine how easily the lungs expand and recoil during breathing, while viscoelasticity reflects their capacity to store and dissipate energy with each cycle. These characteristics are not static; they vary with developmental stage, environmental exposures, and disease progression.
The kidney’s ability to filter blood and regulate fluid balance depends not only on its biochemical activity but also on its mechanical behavior. Properties such as elasticity, stiffness, and viscoelasticity reflect the composition and structure of the renal parenchyma as well as its perfusion. When these properties are altered, they can signal changes in tissue integrity, fibrosis, or vascular function.
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.