Cryogel Micromechanics Unraveled by Atomic Force Microscopy-Based Nanoindentation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Cell-instructive physical characteristics of macroporous scaffolds, developed for tissue engineering applications, often remain difficult to assess. Here, an atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation approach is adapted to quantify the local mechanical properties of biohybrid glycosaminoglycan-poly(ethylene glycol) cryogels. Resulting from cryoconcentration effects upon gel formation, cryogel struts are observed to feature a higher stiffness compared to the corresponding bulk hydrogel materials. Local Young's moduli, porosity, and integral moduli of the cryogel scaffolds are compared in dependence on gel formation parameters. The results provide valuable insights into the cryogelation process and a base for adjusting physical characteristics of the obtained cryogel scaffolds, which can critically influence the cellular response.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1849-1853
Number of pages5
JournalAdvanced healthcare materials
Volume3
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2014
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 24729299
ORCID /0000-0003-0189-3448/work/161890462

Keywords

Keywords

  • AFM-based nanoindentation, Cryoconcentration, Macroporous scaffolds, Micromechanical properties, StarPEG-heparin hydrogels