Mechanical testing of small hydrated biomaterials in fluid under controlled temperature

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Hydrated biomaterials are important components in tissue engineering, contact lens (CL) development and food products. The mechanical properties of hydrated biomaterials are critical parameters affecting their functions; efficient and accurate mechanical characterization of small hydrated samples in aqueous conditions with controlled temperature is needed for the team of co-applicants to pursue interdisciplinary research. Currently, at the University of Waterloo (UW), the team relies on conventional mechanical actuator and load cell systems for tensile and compressive testing or atomic force microscopy (AFM). The measurements can only be performed on dry or semi-hydrated samples in air at UW, yielding inaccurate results. Otherwise, researchers must access facilities in another non-local institution. Live biological samples are time sensitive and biohazards to be transported for testing. Inaccurate results and sample size limitation (e.g. challenges in measuring small samples by conventional mechanical actuator) can cause delays in research and training, requiring additional research funding and HQP. We propose purchasing the MicroTester (MT) G2 from CellScale; a multimode, microscale mechanical testing system to test soft materials in aqueous conditions under controlled temperature. The advantages of the MT include low force measurements (down to 10 nN) for small samples (down to 50 µm in diameter) in aqueous conditions, a high-quality optical imaging system and real-time user feedback. With a robust setup and user-friendly interface for easy operation, the MT enables testing to be performed by users from various backgrounds with minimal training. The requested MT is instrumental to developing biomedical and materials for: (1) in vitro models for tissue development and aging; (2) hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering and food product applications; (3) new soft materials for CL and ocular applications. Thus, the MT provides a versatile and accurate characterization needed for the research programs and would enable building new research collaborations and engaging broader research partners. The requested equipment would be the first mechanical testing equipment for small samples with temperature-controlled fluid bath in Waterloo Region universities. The applicant, co-applicants, and major users have vast experience in mechanical and material characterization for biomaterials, CL, sustainable materials, and food processing. The MT will allow the team to accelerate research and development at UW, maintaining UW's leadership in these fields. In addition to collaboration with industrial partners, over 50 students from the 6 applicants and major users' teams will benefit from access to the mechanical characterization system to advance their education and training in engineering, biology and vision science. Trainees will learn specialized mechanical characterization that will equip them for the fast-growing biomedical and food industries.