Background
Understanding the mechanical properties of biologically relevant soft materials is increasingly important for developing a comprehensive knowledge of the underlying injury mechanism and emerging biomedical applications such as tissue regeneration, and shockwave lithotripsy. Soft materials, which are composed of a variety of substances such as polymer, elastomers, hydrogels, and foam, play a crucial role in the fields of biomedical engineering and biomaterial development, including artificial organs (e.g., cartridge and hip implant), wound healing process, tissue regeneration, as well as stretchable soft bioelectronics for human skin surface. However, accurately characterizing soft matters, particularly under harsh conditions (i.e., high strain rate and repetitive loadings) at which other rheological techniques are not performed, remains limited due to their complex behaviors associated with their ultra-soft nature and brittle manner from high water content.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a drop tower system integrated with custom components for quantifying cavitation in soft biomaterials under mechanical impacts. Through the combination of theoretical modeling with experimental validation using agarose gel samples, the system is able to accurately simulate traumatic injury conditions and understand the mechanical behavior of soft tissues under cyclic loading. This innovation aims to advance our understanding of material responses under conditions mimicking real-world impacts, offering significant insights for biomedical applications and future medical research.
Potential Applications:
- Military defense
- Sports science & equipment
- Biomedical engineering
- Biomaterials
Benefits and Advantages:
- Versatile – Ability to test various sample sizes thus enhancing applicability
- Precise – Control over impact amplitude and frequency through system design
- Non-optical detection of cavitation – Offers a novel approach to studying material response
Related Publication: An Innovative Drop Tower System for Quantifying Cavitation in Soft Biomaterials Under Repeated Mechanical Impacts
