An integrated nano- and micro-indentation system for musculoskeletal tissue and biomaterials

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary The objective of this project is to purchase a Bruker Hysitron TI 980 TriboIndenter system (referred as the TriboIndenter) for quantitative analysis of elastic modulus, hardness, and viscoelastic behavior of both mineralized and soft musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues and biomaterials across multiple, small length scales. The TriboIndenter will be located in the Biomechanics Core at the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (PCMD), a regional NIH-supported center in the Philadelphia region that provides critical resources, programs, knowledge, and tools to MSK research communities at Penn and regional institutions. The requested instrument is specifically chosen for the increased research interest and needs of the MSK research community at Penn and the PCMD to address MSK tissue mechanical properties at nano-, micro- and meso- scales. The requested TriboIndenter system has many state-of-the-art functions, including the integrated Fluorescence Microscopy for accurate identification of test locations, the Electrochemical Indentation Cell that enables hydrated testing conditions for biological specimen, the 2D dynamic modulus mapping functions, and a wide range of force and indentation depths to accommodate materials that span several orders of magnitude in tissue modulus. These powerful functions complement existing instrumentation and testing capabilities in the Biomechanics Core at the PCMD to enable studies of both mineralized and soft MSK tissues across multiple length scales. Acquisition of the proposed instrument will make this technology available to many investigators (20 Major Users and 6 Minor Users). It will also remove barriers to major research projects impacting 26 currently funded NIH projects. In addition, it will aid 10 more projects funded by other federal and private sources. The research that will benefit from this instrumentation promises to contribute to the translation of basic biomedical research, MSK disease treatments, and injury repairs. This instrument will advance our understanding of basic science and facilitate new therapeutic strategies against numerous MSK diseases and conditions, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, joint injury and connective tissue tear and ruptures, fractures, and rare genetic conditions like mucopolysaccharidoses and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.