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
Silk fibroin is a naturally derived structural protein primarily obtained from the cocoons of silkworms, most commonly Bombyx mori. In its native form, silk fibers consist of a fibroin core surrounded by sericin, a glue-like protein that is removed during processing. Regenerated silk fibroin can be dissolved in aqueous solutions and reassembled into multiple material formats, including hydrogels.
Pluronic hydrogels are synthetic, thermo-responsive hydrogels formed from amphiphilic triblock copolymers composed of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO). These polymers, also known as poloxamers, are industrially synthesized via controlled polymerization and are available in a wide range of molecular weights and block ratios. In aqueous environments, Pluronic copolymers self-assemble into micellar structures driven by the temperature-dependent hydrophobicity of the PPO block.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring, linear polysaccharide belonging to the family of non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans. It is composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine linked through alternating β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. HA is a major component of the extracellular matrix in vertebrate tissues, where it contributes to hydration, space filling, and viscoelasticity.
Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a photocrosslinkable hydrogel derived from gelatin, itself obtained by partial hydrolysis of collagen, the primary structural protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM). GelMA is synthesized by reacting gelatin with methacrylic anhydride, introducing methacryloyl functional groups onto gelatin’s amino acid residues while preserving most of its native bioactive motifs.
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.