Soft Polymers Library
Elastosens™ Bio Applications
Soft polymers and biomaterials are versatile materials widely used in industries ranging from biomedical and pharmaceutical applications to packaging, coatings, and advanced manufacturing. Their mechanical behavior is inherently viscoelastic, combining elastic energy storage with viscous dissipation. This behavior depends strongly on factors such as molecular weight, crosslinking density, temperature, and frequency of deformation. As a result, polymers can exhibit complex time- and temperature-dependent responses that directly influence their processability, stability, and end-use performance.
Measuring the viscoelastic properties of polymers and biomaterials is therefore essential for both research and industrial applications. Mechanical characterization enables scientists and engineers to understand structure–property relationships, optimize formulations, and predict long-term performance. By quantifying parameters such as storage and loss moduli across different conditions, they can fine-tune material properties, improve product reliability, and accelerate development from formulation to final application.
Applications on Soft Polymers
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a synthetic, biodegradable aliphatic polyester obtained by the copolymerization of lactic acid and glycolic acid. It is an industrially produced polymer derived from renewable monomers that are metabolized through natural biochemical pathways. PLGA is synthesized primarily via ring-opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide, allowing precise control over molecular weight, copolymer ratio, and end-group chemistry.
Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) is a synthetic aliphatic polyester belonging to the poly(α-hydroxy acid) family. It is produced entirely through industrial chemical synthesis and is characterized by a simple repeating glycolic acid unit linked by ester bonds. PGA is highly crystalline and hydrophilic, features that distinguish it from closely related biodegradable polyesters such as PLA and PLGA.
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a synthetic, linear polyether composed of repeating ethylene oxide units. It is produced industrially by the ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide, yielding polymers with well-controlled molecular weights and narrow dispersity. PEG is highly hydrophilic, water-soluble, and chemically versatile, making it a foundational material in biomedical polymer science.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a synthetic polysiloxane polymer composed of a flexible inorganic siloxane backbone (–Si–O–Si–) with methyl side groups. This unique inorganic–organic architecture gives PDMS exceptional chain mobility, very low glass transition temperature, and stable elastomeric behavior across a wide temperature range. PDMS is produced exclusively by industrial synthesis, typically involving hydrolysis and condensation of chlorosilanes followed by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes.
Mechanical Testing for Soft Polymers
ElastoSens™ Bio enables real-time, non-contact mechanical characterization of soft polymers and biomaterials. Samples can be placed directly into the available sample holders (macro, micro, or membrane) and tested with minimal preparation, while temperature, irradiation, and other environmental conditions can be controlled to simulate processing or application settings. Mechanical parameters are displayed instantly on the tablet, providing immediate and quantitative insight into polymer viscoelasticity and performance. The non-destructive feature allows re-testing of the same sample to investigate long-term mechanical behavior during incubation under relevant environmental conditions.
In this example, a collagen hydrogel was loaded into the µ-volume sample holder and tested after gelation at 37 °C. The average shear storage modulus (G′) was 565 ± 29.5 Pa (n=3).
PEGDA at different concentrations was photocrosslinked in the ElastoSens™ Bio under 405 nm light for 8 minutes. As expected, an increase in the final G′ was observed with increasing polymer concentration, resulting in values ranging from 1 kPa to 60 kPa.
Benefits of Contact-Free, Non-Invasive Measurements with the Elastosens™ Bio
- Non-destructively measure the viscoelastic properties of synthetic and natural polymers, from elastomers and hydrogels to thin films and membranes.
- Apply controlled temperature, irradiation, and environmental conditions to study material behavior under relevant processing or application scenarios.
- Re-test the same sample over time to evaluate mechanical stability and long-term performance without damage.
- Operate an intuitive system designed for researchers, engineers, technicians, and quality control specialists alike.
- Improve repeatability while accelerating R&D and quality control workflows.
- Access advanced Soft Matter Analytics™ for reliable and in-depth viscoelastic characterization.
- Benefit from a modular, scalable solution tailored to your laboratory needs and budget.