Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Ilya A. Morozov
Summary: Polyurethane elastomer was studied by atomic force microscopy under fast nanoindentation conditions to investigate surface characteristics. The research found that the hard phase is unevenly distributed with the soft phase, and the indentation rate is influenced by various factors.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Binyu Zhao, Youquan Jia, Yi Xu, Elmar Bonaccurso, Xu Deng, Guenter K. Auernhammer, Longquan Chen
Summary: Researchers have investigated the microscopic wetting phenomena of water on nonwetting nanoporous surfaces, characterizing the nanoscopic morphology and effective stiffness of liquid-air interfaces inside nanopores. They found that the nanomenisci exhibit apparent elastic deformation and size-dependent effective stiffness, and correlated these properties with the wetting behavior of water droplets on structured surfaces.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dinidu Perera, Qijue Wang, Hannes C. Schniepp
Summary: This article reports a technique utilizing atomic force microscope and finite element analysis to study the mechanical anisotropy of biomaterials with oriented nanofibrillar structure. Using the tape-like silk of the Chilean recluse spider as an example, the detailed nanoscale structure-property characterization of spider silk is presented, revealing the importance of van der Waals forces in interfibrillar binding. The technique has potential applications in early disease diagnostics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Xu, Youquan Jia, Carlo Antonini, Yakang Jin, Longquan Chen
Summary: By immersing substrate-supported polymeric nanofilms in water, interfacial nanoblisters are formed as natural platforms for evaluating their mechanical properties. High-resolution force spectroscopy studies reveal that indentation tests must be conducted on the freestanding region around the nanoblister apex under an appropriate loading force to obtain load-independent, linear elastic deformations. The stiffness of the nanoblister increases with decreasing size or increasing covering film thickness, and this size effect can be explained by an energy-based theoretical model. This proposed methodology can provide an exceptional determination of the elastic modulus of the film and has potential applications in relevant fields.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
T. S. Charlton, M. Goodarzi, M. Rouainia, A. C. Aplin, P. Cubillas
Summary: This study investigates the geomechanical properties of organic-rich, calcareous shales buried to 100-180 degrees C, finding that the elastic stiffness increases with thermal maturity due to intense carbonate cementation. A multiscale model accurately predicts stiffness at micro and core scales, showing a negative correlation between creep modulus and clay/kerogen content.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lingyun Kong, Fahimeh Hadavimoghaddam, Chunxiao Li, Kouqi Liu, Bo Liu, Amir Semnani, Mehdi Ostadhassan
Summary: This study compares the feasibility of using force spectroscopy methods and nanoindentation techniques to obtain elastic properties of shale. It was found that the modulus range in nanoindentation data is larger, but it becomes more difficult to identify organic matter from intermediary phases as thermal maturity increases. In contrast, AFM provides higher resolution modulus maps, allowing for more accurate distinction between different phases.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
P. Gahlen, S. Froebel, A. Karbach, D. Gabriel, M. Stommel
Summary: Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams were examined for their local chemical composition using ATR-IR spectroscopy, with a focus on the PIR: Amide III intensity ratio as a parameter. Mechanical properties of the foam base material were analyzed at defined positions using AFM and Nanoindentation, with higher PIR: Amide III intensity ratio generally resulting in higher Young's modulus. The study also revealed the development of a new embedding method for nanoindentation, achieving more realistic and reproducible results compared to existing methods.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jhih H. Liang, Zac Milne, Mehdi Rouhani, Yi-Pan Lin, Rodrigo A. Bernal, Takaaki Sato, Robert W. Carpick, Yeau R. Jeng
Summary: This study presents the first in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigation of diamond-like carbon (DLC) sliding on diamond. The tribological properties of amorphous carbon (a-C) are explored under the harsh condition of sliding against diamond in a vacuum. Real-time TEM imaging provides insights into wear mechanisms and damage. The study reveals that high contact stresses lead to increased adhesion and accelerated wear of a-C on diamond.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Balint Kiss, Zoltan Kis, Bernadett Palyi, Miklos S. Z. Kellermayer
Summary: The spikes on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus display dynamic motion and flexibility, allowing the virus to recover quickly from mechanical perturbations. While the global structure of the virus is temperature resistant, thermal exposure may lead to progressive denudation of spikes on the virion surface.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ilya A. Morozov
Summary: Modern nanoindentation techniques using atomic force microscopy (AFM) can provide maps of material topography and physical-mechanical properties, especially useful for studying soft heterogeneous materials.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mert Muhammed Koc, Mustafa Oguzhan Caglayan
Summary: In this study, mechanical, tribologic, and morphological characterization of recycled polypropylene beads were conducted using force spectroscopy and lateral-force microscopy. The results showed a significant correlation between grain size and compression-elastic moduli of the beads. Friction-maps of the beads were obtained through lateral-force microscopy for 25 square micrometer scanning areas.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mark D. Eddleston, Ernest H. H. Chow, Dejan-Kresimir Bucar, Ranjit Thakuria
Summary: In this study, in situ atomic force microscopy was employed to investigate topological crystal surface defects and their role in the dissociation of the caffeine-glutaric acid cocrystal at high relative humidity. The topographical scans revealed that the dissociation occurs through localized sublimation, increased molecular surface diffusion, the formation of line and screw dislocations, and the crystallization of caffeine hydrate.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Csilla Csanyi, Pal Salamon, Timea Feller, Tamas Bozo, Jolan Harsfalvi, Miklos S. Z. Kellermayer
Summary: The von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric glycoprotein that mediates platelet function at high shear. The shear-induced structural transitions of VWF have been studied through high-resolution quantitative analysis of gradually extended VWF. The structural hierarchy uncovered provides a spatial control mechanism for the complex functions of VWF.
Article
Plant Sciences
Harinderbir Kaur, Jean-Marie Teulon, Christian Godon, Thierry Desnos, Shu-wen W. Chen, Jean-Luc Pellequer
Summary: The plasticity and growth of plant cell walls under metal stress were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The combination of Fe2+ and Al3+ ions resulted in root-extension arrest and increased cell wall stiffness, while single Fe2+ or Al3+ ions only induced stiffness increase without root growth arrest.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Manuel Avellaneda, Andres Boasso, Martin Sirena, Simon Roa
Summary: Photoresist-based films are widely used in the modern nanotechnology industry for fabricating micro/nano-devices through photolithography techniques. This study investigates the impact of thermal-induced polymerization on the mechanical resistance of MICROPOSIT(TM) photoresist films. The results show that annealing increases the mechanical resistance and reduces the plastic strain susceptibility of the films. The observed improvements in mechanical and chemical resistance are crucial for the development of novel micro and nanostructures.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
T. Fukui, J. H. N. Yik, B. Doyran, J. Davis, A. K. Haudenschild, I. E. Adamopoulos, L. Han, D. R. Haudenschild
Summary: The study showed that Brd4 and CDK9 inhibitors can synergistically reduce the injury response after joint trauma, suggesting that targeting Brd4 and/or CDK9 could be a viable strategy for PTOA prevention and treatment of early OA.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Beth G. Ashinsky, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Chao Wang, Edward D. Bonnevie, Lin Han, Robert L. Mauck, Harvey E. Smith
Summary: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a complex process involving progressive changes in multiple subcomponents and structures of the spine. The study demonstrates that as degeneration progresses, there are reductions in disc height, nucleus pulposus T2 relaxation time, alterations in motion segment macromechanical function, disc matrix composition, and cellular morphology. This emphasizes the importance of studying IVD degeneration as a whole organ.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yulong Wei, Lijun Luo, Tao Gui, Feifan Yu, Lesan Yan, Lutian Yao, Leilei Zhong, Wei Yu, Biao Han, Jay M. Patel, Jessica F. Liu, Frank Beier, Lawrence Scott Levin, Charles Nelson, Zengwu Shao, Lin Han, Robert L. Mauck, Andrew Tsourkas, Jaimo Ahn, Zhiliang Cheng, Ling Qin
Summary: The study demonstrates the feasibility of targeting EGFR signaling for OA treatment using nanotechnology.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Claire E. Witherel, Kimheak Sao, Becky K. Brisson, Biao Han, Susan W. Volk, Ryan J. Petrie, Lin Han, Kara L. Spiller
Summary: This study investigates the role of macrophages in ECM assembly, showing that the phenotype of macrophages influences the formation and characteristics of fibrous tissues. By designing gelatin hydrogels containing cytokines, the shift in macrophage phenotype was promoted to affect the ECM composition and architecture.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daphney R. Chery, Biao Han, Ying Zhou, Chao Wang, Sheila M. Adams, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Bryan Kwok, Su-Jin Heo, Motomi Enomoto-Iwamoto, X. Lu, Dehan Kong, Renato V. Iozzo, David E. Birk, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han
Summary: This study identified decorin as a key determinant of cartilage pericellular matrix micromechanics and chondrocyte mechanotransduction. The absence of decorin in murine cartilage resulted in reduced micromodulus of the pericellular matrix and impaired chondrocyte mechanotransduction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tonia K. Tsinman, Xi Jiang, Lin Han, Eiki Koyama, Robert L. Mauck, Nathaniel A. Dyment
Summary: The study tracks the growth of the meniscus in mice from embryonic formation through the first month of growth, revealing that matrix and cellular features defining specific tissue zones are present at birth and further refined with postnatal growth. This work establishes a detailed timeline of spatiotemporal changes at both the cellular and matrix level during meniscus maturation, providing insight into mechanisms of tissue degeneration and regenerative strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zian Jia, Matheus C. Fernandes, Zhifei Deng, Ting Yang, Qiuting Zhang, Alfie Lethbridge, Jie Yin, Jae-Hwang Lee, Lin Han, James C. Weaver, Katia Bertoldi, Joanna Aizenberg, Mathias Kolle, Pete Vukusic, Ling Li
Summary: Biological systems have the ability to synthesize multifunctional materials adapted to specific needs, however, investigating structure-function relationships in nature can be challenging. By studying the mechanical and optical properties of the flower beetle's exoskeleton, researchers found that the micropillar-reinforced photonic multilayer enhanced mechanical robustness and optical appearance, leading to optical damage tolerance. This study sheds light on material-level design strategies in biological systems and could inspire bioinspired material innovations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elizabeth R. Kahle, Biao Han, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Evan R. Phillips, Mary K. Mulcahey, X. Lucas Lu, Michele S. Marcolongo, Lin Han
Summary: Molecular engineering using synthetic mimics of native matrix molecules can modulate the mechanical properties of cellular microenvironment and influence cell mechanobiology. This study demonstrated the use of biomimetic proteoglycans (BPGs) to engineer the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in cartilage, leading to enhanced cellular mechanotransduction. The interactions between BPGs and the native PCM were facilitated by the biomimetic ultrastructure of BPGs, and showed potential for improving tissue regeneration and disease modification in various cell types.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Danielle Rux, Kimberly Helbig, Biao Han, Courtney Cortese, Eiki Koyama, Lin Han, Maurizio Pacifici
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of primary cilia in postnatal articular cartilage morphogenesis, including tidemark topography, zonal matrix composition, and load response.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Annie Porter, Liyun Wang, Lin Han, X. Lucas Lu
Summary: This study investigated the combined effects of traumatic overloading and IL-1 beta challenge on the metabolic activities of chondrocytes, revealing the collaborative impact of mechanical damage to cartilage and inflammatory cytokines. The new click chemistry-based methods provided convenient and sensitive assays for measuring cellular metabolic activities in native three-dimensional environments.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
News Item
Biophysics
Lin Han
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Mingyue Fan, Chao Wang, Bryan Kwok, Elizabeth R. Kahle, Lan He, X. Lucas Lu, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han
Summary: Aging is the main risk factor for osteoarthritis, but the exact cause of aging-associated cartilage degeneration is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that cell-matrix interactions play a crucial role in cartilage homeostasis and disease.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth R. Kahle, Neil Patel, Harini B. Sreenivasappa, Michele S. Marcolongo, Lin Han
Summary: Mechanosensing at the interface of a cell and its surrounding microenvironment plays a crucial role in physiological processes. This review discusses the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) integrated with immunofluorescence imaging to probe mechanobiology at the cell-matrix interface. It highlights the investigation of pericellular matrix biomechanics, cellular biomechanics, and mechanotransduction in various tissues. The review also presents technical advances that have facilitated more in-depth studies of mechanobiology.
PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chukwuemeka W. Chikelu, Mark Berns, Dolores Conover, Raymond Habas, Lin Han, Reva M. Street, Caroline L. Schauer
Summary: In this study, continuous yarns of twisted type I collagen nanofibers, known as collagen nanoyarns (CNY), were created using a modified electrospinning setup. The CNYs showed twisted nanofiber morphology with a diameter of 213 +/- 60 nm and a yarn diameter of 372 +/- 23 mu m. Cross-linking improved the mechanical properties and stability of the CNYs, and HeLa cells were able to adhere and align along the nanofiber direction on the surface of cross-linked CNYs. The results demonstrate the promising potential of collagen nanoyarns as a shapable biomaterial scaffold and building block for generating macroscale fiber-based tissues.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bryan Kwok, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Chao Wang, Lan He, Robert L. Mauck, Nathaniel A. Dyment, Eiki Koyama, Lin Han
Summary: Understanding early ECM formation in articular cartilage and meniscus can guide regenerative strategies. This study revealed distinct traits of their developing ECMs, providing insights for repairing these tissues and other load-bearing cartilaginous tissues.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Nathan D. Camarillo, Rafael Jimenez-Silva, Frances T. Sheehan
Summary: This article discusses the statistical dependence between multiple measurements from the same participant and provides recommendations for using these measurements when they are not independent.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
J. Huet, A. -S. Boureau, A. Sarcher, C. Cornu, A. Nordez
Summary: Standard compression in freehand 3D ultrasound induces a bias in volume calculations, but minimal compression and gel pad methods have similar results. With a trained examiner and precautions, the bias can be minimized and become acceptable in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
C. Lariviere, A. H. Eskandari, H. Mecheri, F. Ghezelbash, D. Gagnon, A. Shirazi-Adl
Summary: Recent developments in musculoskeletal modeling have focused on model customization. Personalization of the spine profile may affect estimates of spinal loading and stability. This study investigates the biomechanical consequences of changes in the spinal profile and finds that personalizing the spine profile has medium to large effects on trunk muscle forces and negligible to small effects on spinal loading and stability.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Luke T. Mattar, Arash B. Mahboobin, Adam J. Popchak, William J. Anderst, Volker Musahl, James J. Irrgang, Richard E. Debski
Summary: Exercise therapy fails in about 25.0% of cases for individuals with rotator cuff tears, and one reason for this failure may be the inability to strengthen and balance the muscle forces that keep the humeral head in the correct position. This study developed computational musculoskeletal models to compare the net muscle force before and after exercise therapy between successfully and unsuccessfully treated patients. The study found that unsuccessfully treated patients had less inferiorly oriented net muscle forces, which may increase the risk of impingement.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Natsuki Sado, Takeshi Edagawa, Toshihide Fujimori, Shogo Hashimoto, Yoshikazu Okamoto, Takahito Nakajima
Summary: The existing methods for predicting hip and lumbosacral joint centres in Japanese adults are biased and differ between sexes. We propose new regression equations that consider soft-tissue thickness, sex differences, and a height-directional measure, and validate them using leave-one-out cross-validation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Peimin Yu, Xuanzhen Cen, Qichang Mei, Alan Wang, Yaodong Gu, Justin Fernandez
Summary: This study aimed to explore the intra-foot biomechanical differences among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), copers, and healthy individuals during dynamic tasks. The study found that copers and CAI individuals had smaller dorsiflexion angles and copers presented a more eversion position compared to healthy participants. Copers also had greater dorsiflexion angles in the metatarsophalangeal joint and more inversion moments in the subtalar joint during certain tasks. These findings can help in designing interventions to restore ankle joint functions in CAI individuals.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Jon Skovgaard Jensen, Anders Holsgaard-Larsen, Anders Stengaard Sorensen, Per Aagaard, Jens Bojsen-Moller
Summary: This study investigates the biomechanical effects of robot-assisted body weight unloading (BWU) on gait patterns in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamic robot-assisted BWU enables reduced kinetic requirements without distorting biomechanically normal gait patterns during overground walking.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
