A Micro-Mechanical Testing Instrument

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We are requesting funds to purchase an instrument that can measure the stiffness and other mechanical properties of a wide range of polymer biomaterials as well as those of tissues and individual cells. Precise measurement of these properties are essential in order to design new polymer biomaterials for a variety of biomedical applications, such as for the delivery of stem cells and/or protein drugs into soft connective tissue such as the cartilage in the knee in order to regenerate damaged tissue to treat arthritis. We are particularly interested in using the equipment to explore the manner in which the cells in the body respond to the implantation of these materials. The cells involved in healing are known to respond to material stiffness, but the reason for this response is unknown. With this equipment, in combination with other instruments currently at our disposal, we will endeavour to figure out why these cells respond the way they do. In addition, we plan to use this equipment to measure red blood cell membrane mechanical properties with a view towards understanding how interactions between these cells affect blood flow behaviour. This information will then be used to improve aneurysm rupture risk assessment and facilitate decisions concerning the design of safer and more effective cardiovascular devices such as stents and embolic glues.