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Biological and Chemical Physics

Physics Faculty Publications

AFM

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Full-Text Articles in Physics

The Mechanical Stress–Strain Properties Of Single Electrospun Collagen Type I Nanofibers, Christine C. Helms, Corentin Coulais, Martin Guthold Aug 2010

The Mechanical Stress–Strain Properties Of Single Electrospun Collagen Type I Nanofibers, Christine C. Helms, Corentin Coulais, Martin Guthold

Physics Faculty Publications

Knowledge of the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers is important for their successful application in tissue engineering, material composites, filtration and drug delivery. In particular, electrospun collagen has great potential for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and promotion of cell growth and adhesion. Using a combined atomic force microscopy (AFM)/optical microscopy technique, the single fiber mechanical properties of dry, electrospun collagen type I were determined. The fibers were electrospun from a 80 mg ml−1 collagen solution in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluro-2-propanol and collected on a striated surface suitable for lateral force manipulation by AFM. The small strain modulus, calculated from three-point …


The Mechanical Properties Of Individual, Electrospun Fibrinogen Fibers, Christine C. Helms, Corentin Coulais, Manoj Namboothiry, David L. Carroll, Roy R. Hantgan, Martin Guthold Feb 2009

The Mechanical Properties Of Individual, Electrospun Fibrinogen Fibers, Christine C. Helms, Corentin Coulais, Manoj Namboothiry, David L. Carroll, Roy R. Hantgan, Martin Guthold

Physics Faculty Publications

We used a combined atomic force microscope (AFM)/fluorescence microscope technique to study the mechanical properties of individual, electrospun fibrinogen fibers in aqueous buffer. Fibers (average diameter 208 nm) were suspended over 12 μm-wide grooves in a striated, transparent substrate. The AFM, situated above the sample, was used to laterally stretch the fibers and to measure the applied force. The fluorescence microscope, situated below the sample, was used to visualize the stretching process. The fibers could be stretched to 2.3 times their original length before breaking; the breaking stress was 22·106 Pa. We collected incremental stress-strain curves to determine the …