Nanoindenter Microscope Objective for Simultaneous Mechanobiology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of biological tissues are limited by their inability to provide concurrent optical and nanomechanical characterization, especially at the tissue level, leading to challenges in understanding the effect of mechanical forces on biological specimens.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines a nanoindenter microscope objective with a Schwarzschild reflective objective and a MEMS force probe, allowing for simultaneous low-force indentation and multimodal optical imaging, enabling the characterization of both mechanical and structural properties of biological samples at the same spatial location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical microscopy techniques are used for imaging biological specimens, then noninvasive imaging of cells and extracellular matrix is achieved, but information about mechanical properties of the tissue cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical microscopy imaging capabilities with nanoindentation mechanical testing in a single integrated system. The nanoindenter is positioned within the optical field of view, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both optical images and mechanical property data from the same tissue region, thereby merging two previously separate modalities into one unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: it performs both high-resolution optical imaging and nanomechanical characterization (nanoindentation) of biological tissues. This multi-functional platform eliminates the need for separate imaging and mechanical testing setups, enabling researchers to obtain comprehensive data including both structural and mechanical properties from the same sample location.
2Measurement precision
If bulk testing methods are used for mechanical characterization, then mechanical properties can be measured, but local heterogeneity of tissue properties is lost due to averaging over entire sample
Solution Approach 1:
The nanoindenter employs a sharply focused tip with a very small contact area (on the order of micrometers or sub-micrometers) to probe mechanical properties at highly localized regions within the tissue. This localized probing capability, combined with optical imaging, allows measurement of mechanical properties at specific cellular or sub-cellular levels, preserving spatial heterogeneity information that would be averaged out in bulk testing.
3Measurement precision
If AFM is used for high-resolution surface profiling, then topographical characteristics can be obtained, but probe stiffness and geometry variations complicate mechanical property quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The nanoindenter uses a rigid, durable indenter tip that can be precisely characterized and reused for multiple measurements. Unlike AFM cantilevers that require individual calibration and have limited lifespan, the nanoindenter tip maintains consistent mechanical properties across multiple uses, eliminating the need for repeated probe characterization and reducing operational complexity.
4Measurement precision
If nanoindentation is used for mechanical property characterization, then local mechanical properties can be measured, but concurrent optical imaging of the same region is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates the nanoindenter within the optical microscope's field of view, allowing the indenter tip to be positioned and operated while simultaneously imaging the same region. The optical system provides real-time visualization of the indentation process and the tissue's mechanical response, enabling correlation of structural changes with mechanical property variations at the probed location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-resolution imaging and mechanical property measurement of biological samples, overcoming limitations of existing techniques by allowing for the characterization of complex behaviors and heterogeneity in soft tissues, while avoiding the need for sample relocation and improving force control and displacement resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective objective with a Schwarzschild objective... Incident illuminating light 104 from a source of illumination 130 is reflected by a convex secondary mirror 106 onto a concave primary mirror 108
Implementation Method 2
A custom micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) force probe 114... for both structural and mechanical properties to be obtained
Implementation Method 3
measuring a mechanical response of the sample to the applied force... The measured mechanical response may be a displacement as a function of force
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for characterizing a sample in situ as to both its mechanical and optical characteristics. The apparatus comprises a reflective microscope with a concave primary mirror and a convex secondary mirror sharing a common optical axis, and an actuator vignetted by the convex secondary mirror for applying a force to a nanoprobe in a direction having a component along the common optical axis. The apparatus may addition include a source for generating an illuminating beam, a detector, and a processor for forming an image based on a signal provided by the detector.