title: Multi-scale techniques of measuring the dynamic properties of biological tissues.
abstract: The overall aim of this study is to establish relationships between the histology of biological tissues and their mechanical properties, especially their dynamic modulus. The emphasis is on the physical scale of the probe used in relation to the size of the histological features in the material of interest. The selection of a model system (connective tissue) is described along with a corresponding gelatin-based system in which the make-up of the material can be "engineered" reproducibly. Next three experimental rigs are described with regard to their suitability for making measurements at a variety of scales; the micro-scale, the meso-scale and the macro-scale. Finally, some preliminary measurements on the micro-scale rig are presented and preliminary conclusions drawn on the methodology.
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EHI4 4AS, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lakshmanan
authors.forename: T H J
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Reuben
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hammer
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Else
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005780:Gelatin / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D005780:Gelatin