Local Modulus Measurement Device in Soft Materials Control
Primary Inventors:
Description:
A distinct technology to measure the local modulus in natural, synthetic tissues and soft polymeric systems. The technology helps to determine the stiffness of soft materials in tissue engineering.
A hand-held device that is similar (in form and function) to a pH meter or digital thermometer could be fabricated. This device should be of interest to cell-harvesting biomedical firms, universities with biology departments and tissue engineering efforts, hospitals involved in tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical companies.
Applications:
- Measures mechanical modulus of materials for tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering or tissue-matrix materials, and suitable biochemical factors to improve or replace biological functions.
- Facilitates development of tissue scaffolds. Tissue scaffolds are the new medical implants of the future: small, porous, tissue-like implants made of fully degradable, specially designed biomaterials that support cells at the site of injury and assist the body in growing new, functional tissue.
Advantages:
- Could overcome the weaknesses of Shear Rheometry, Contact Adhesion tests, Microbead Rheology.
- Technique and device are very simple and could be used in any laboratory
- Requires no rigorous and expensive training to operate the device
- Quick and efficient measurement of modulus of a gel or tissue scaffold in an inexpensive way
- Ability to measure 'local' moduli (e.g. gradients of stiffness or stiffness difference in layered structures can be easily determined)
- Demonstrates detection of elastic properties, without knowledge of the cavity growth image
Licensing Status:
Available for Licensing or Sponsored Research
Patent Status:
Patent issued: US 8,321,139
Docket:
UMA 06-16
For More Information:
Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property
Phone: 413-545-3606
E-mail: cvip@research.umass.edu