Anisotropic Material Testing Device
A series of force-controlled multiaxial loading devices for the purpose of characterizing bio-materials
Background
The stress-testing of biomaterials is crucial for the evaluation of their durability and suitability as medical implants. It is pivotal to simulate the forces that biomaterials will be exposed to under laboratory conditions, allowing for the optimal design of their geometry before im-plantation. Current technologies to mechanically stress and assess the compliance (the ability to stretch) of biomaterials are limited by their ability to stress the material in several axes in a force-controlled manner. They are also bulky and expensive.
Technology Overview
This invention encompasses a series of force-controlled multiaxial loading devices for the purpose of characterizing biomaterials, including a spring-based force input device, a pulley-based system, and a piston-based approach.
Further Details:
- Hofferberth, Sophie C., et al. "Mechanical properties of autologous pericardium change with fixation time: implications for valve reconstruction." Seminars in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. Vol. 31. No. 4. WB Saunders, 2019.
- Bacha, Emile A., et al. "Surgical aortic valvuloplasty in children and adolescents with aortic regurgitation: acute and intermediate effects on aortic valve function and left ventricular dimensions." The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 135.3 (2008): 552-559.
- Kvistedal, Y. A., and P. M. F. Nielsen. "Investigating stress-strain properties of in-vivo human skin using multiaxial loading experiments and finite element modeling." The 26th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biolo-gy Society. Vol. 2. IEEE, 2004.
- Nielsen, P. M. F., et al. "Instrumentation and procedures for estimating the constitu-tive parameters of inhomogeneous elastic membranes." Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology 1.3 (2002): 211-218.
- Raghavan, Madhavan L., et al. "Planar radial extension for constitutive modeling of anisotropic biological soft tissues." The International Journal of Structural Changes in Solids 3.2 (2011): 23-31.
Benefits
- The devices enable accurate, faster, and more cost-effective quality-control of biomaterials during manufacturing
- Long-term impact: better patient outcomes due to better durability of biomaterials after surgical implantation
Applications
- Manufacturing of all biomaterials used as medical implants, such as heart valves, synthetic bypasses
Patents
IP Status
- Patent application submitted
