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 liver’s ability to perform its diverse physiological functions depends not only on its cellular and biochemical activity but also on its mechanical behavior. Properties such as elasticity, stiffness, and viscoelasticity reflect the underlying tissue architecture and composition, which are altered when disease is present. Measuring these characteristics provides valuable information for both clinical practice and research.
The intestine is a highly specialized segment of the gastrointestinal tract, responsible for nutrient absorption, fluid balance, and continuous interaction with the microbiome. Its function depends not only on biochemical activity but also on the mechanical properties of the intestinal wall, which determine how it expands, contracts, and transports luminal contents. The intestinal wall is a layered structure composed of mucosa, submucosa, muscle, and serosa, each contributing distinct mechanical behaviors such as elasticity, compliance, and anisotropy.
The intestine is a highly specialized segment of the gastrointestinal tract, responsible for nutrient absorption, fluid balance, and continuous interaction with the microbiome. Its function depends not only on biochemical activity but also on the mechanical properties of the intestinal wall, which determine how it expands, contracts, and transports luminal contents. The intestinal wall is a layered structure composed of mucosa, submucosa, muscle, and serosa, each contributing distinct mechanical behaviors such as elasticity, compliance, and anisotropy.
The stomach is a hollow, muscular organ whose function depends closely on its mechanical behavior. Properties such as elasticity, compliance, stiffness, and viscoelasticity govern how it expands to receive food, mixes contents, and regulates emptying into the intestine. These mechanical features also reflect the layered organization of gastric tissue, with smooth muscle, connective tissue, and mucosa each contributing to overall 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.