Mechanical properties are measured using various techniques, including tensile testing, compression testing, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Each method provides insights into different aspects of tissue mechanics.
Tensile Testing Tensile testing involves stretching a tissue sample until it breaks. The stress-strain curve obtained from this test provides information on elasticity, tensile strength, and stiffness.
Compression Testing Compression testing involves applying a compressive force to a tissue sample and measuring its deformation. This test is particularly useful for studying the mechanical properties of tissues like cartilage and bone.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) AFM is a technique that uses a cantilever with a sharp tip to probe the surface of a tissue at the nanoscale. It measures the force-distance relationship, providing detailed information on the mechanical properties at the cellular and molecular levels.
