High-precision mechanical sensing system can measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue, single cell

Fiber sensing scientists at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell.

Publishing within the journal International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, the researchers from Shenzhen University utilized femtosecond laser-induced two‐photon polymerization know-how to manufacture fiber-tip microprobe with ultrahigh mechanical precision right down to 2.1 nanonewton.

This high-precision mechanical sensing system permits the measurement of in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue, single cell, and different varieties of delicate biomaterials. The findings might have a widespread affect on the long run growth of all-fiber Atomic Force Microscopy for biomechanical testing and nanomanipulation.

One of the lead researchers, Professor Yiping Wang, commented, “The biomechanical properties of various tissues within the human physique vary broadly with seven orders of magnitude, from the softest cells to the stiffest bones. We have developed a versatile technique that might design and fabricate the fiber-tip microprobes with essentially the most fitted spring fixed for the correct in vivo biomechanical measurement of virtually all of the tissues within the human physique.”

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is among the few applied sciences that might carry out delicate biomechanical measurements. However, there are typical limitations of bench-top AFM system in its dimension and complicated suggestions system. It additionally requires sure geometry of the samples to be measured, which additional limits its software in biomechanical measurement in vivo. First writer Dr. Mengqiang Zou claimed, “Our work achieved a brand new technology of all-fiber AFM with the versatile methodology to attain the perfect design of the fiber-tip microprobe for each in vivo take a look at, which was turned out to be dependable and likewise way more miniaturized.”

Professor Changrui Liao has pioneered the fiber-tip microdevices fabricated by femtosecond laser-induced two-photon polymerization know-how for fuel sensing. Here his group has developed the know-how to attain varied fiber-tip microstructures, particularly by way of microcantilevers with further topological design, to attain microprobes with a collection of spring constants. This growth permits the “all-fiber AFM” to turn out to be a next-generation device for primary analysis involving the in vivo biomechanical measurement of assorted varieties of tissues.

The staff utilized the finite ingredient technique and topological idea to optimize the design of fiber-tip microcantilever probes. The best microprobe might attain a dependable measuring functionality right down to 2.1 nanonewton. Professor Sandor Kasas stated, “This is a milestone achievement and it’s only the start. We anticipate this method to turn out to be a robust device for in vivo biomechanical research of human tissue and cells, to additional perceive the basics of biomechanical adjustments associated with ailments equivalent to most cancers, and likewise within the vital processes of developmental biology.”