The main challenge in biomaterials is to predict how a material will react when implanted into the human body and how it will interact with tissues, fluids, and other biomedical materials. For accurate prognoses, the materials’ behavior needs to be investigated in conditions that are as close to the human body as possible. Anton Paar offers a range of high-precision analytical instruments for this purpose and supports these efforts with a special focus on biomedical applications in 2019.
The methods covered by Anton Paar’s portfolio range from indentation and scratch testing to tribological testing and chemical surface analysis. Parameters such as elastic modulus, hardness, creep, coating adhesion, scratch resistance, friction and wear, zeta potential, adsorption kinetics (of proteins), and more enable medical researchers to qualify new materials for biological applications based on valid scientific data.
Anton Paar’s MCR Tribometers offer such possibilities through model-scale testing of materials such as cartilages, skin, tissue, etc. With a range of sliding speeds starting from a few nm/s to 1 m/s and a dynamic load range, it is possible to simulate the frictional and wear behavior of materials under close to real-life conditions and use the data to create appropriate models.
Another tool for the investigation of aging behavior is the Anton Paar bio indenter UNHT³ Bio that has been developed especially for biomaterial research. With excellent resolution and research-oriented special features such as controlled force vs. depth measurements you gain a deep understanding of your biomedical samples.
To complement the range of analytical tools, the SurPASS 3 surface charge analyzer from Anton Paar allows for direct biomaterial interface analysis by means of zeta potential studies. Tailored measuring cells can accommodate biomaterial samples of different shapes and geometry for surface charge analysis at the push of a button.
For many years, Anton Paar has put a focus on surface characterization of biomaterials, such as prostheses, implants, tissues (biological and artificial), biopolymers, teeth, ophthalmic applications, biofilms, medical devices, and more.