Advanced platform to characterize the mechanical and structural properties of natural and engineered soft biomaterials

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Our interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists at the University of Toronto is creating novel strategies to create living tissues to replace diseased or damaged tissues. Many of our target tissues serve mechanical or structural functions in the body, including heart valves, blood vessels, heart tissue, cartilage, and skin. These tissues have complex microstructural organization and mechanical properties that are essential for proper function. For engineered tissues to function successfully, they must be structurally and mechanically similar to the native tissues that they aim to replace. We currently do not have access to the tools required for quantitative, accurate mechanical and structural characterization of soft tissues and biomaterials. This has slowed our progress and stifles validation and translation of our discoveries. In this proposal, we request a biaxial mechanical test system and a multi-mode polarizing microscope system to address this urgent need. These complementary tools will establish a platform for soft tissue characterization that is unique in Canada. Dozens of trainees will receive expert technical training on this equipment, gaining interdisciplinary expertise in biomechanics, microscopy, image analysis, and their applications.