Systems and methods for accurate characterization of the mechanical properties of ultra-soft materials in the meso/macro-length scale are provided. Through the use of a millimeter-scale, ultra-high molecular weight indenter probe, accurate mechanical characterization of ultra-soft materials on the centimeter-scale can be achieved. The indenter probe can capture the adhesion forces present during the approach and detachment segments of the indentation process.

This invention belongs to the technical field of cell mechanics and provides a modified method to fit cell elastic modulus based on Sneddon model. The process of the conical atomic force microscope probe compressing into the cell was simulated by ABAQUS. The simulation results are compared with the Sneddon model to get the error caused by Sneddon model. The fitting errors of Sneddon model under different circumstances were obtained by using the method of function fitting, so as to realize the modification of Sneddon model to fit cell elastic modulus. As a modified method to fit cell elastic modulus based on Sneddon model, it can be used to measure the elastic modulus of cells more accurately. The design process is convenient and fast. The design method is easy to master, and the process of use is convenient and simple.

An atomic-force-microscope-based apparatus and method including hardware and software, configured to collect, in a dynamic fashion, and analyze data representing mechanical properties of soft materials on a nanoscale, to map viscoelastic properties of a soft-material sample. The use of the apparatus as an addition to the existing atomic-force microscope device.

An atomic-force-microscope-based apparatus and method including hardware and software, configured to collect, in a dynamic fashion, and analyze data representing mechanical properties of soft materials on a nanoscale, to map viscoelastic properties of a soft-material sample. The use of the apparatus as an addition to the existing atomic-force microscope device.

A large radius probe for a surface analysis instrument such as an atomic force microscope (AFM). The probe is microfabricated to have a tip with a hemispherical distal end or apex. The radius of the apex is the range of about a micron making the probes particularly useful for nanoindentation analyses. The processes of the preferred embodiments allow such large radius probes to be batch fabricated to facilitate cost and robustness.

A two-dimensional nanoindentation measurement apparatus includes a first actuator that imparts a first force in a first direction, and a second actuator that imparts a second force in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first elongate member has a first end attached to the first actuator and a second end attached to an indenter tip that engages the surface of the sample. A second elongate member includes a first end attached to the second actuator and a second end connected to the second end of the first elongate member. The first elongate member is rigid in the first direction and compliant in the second direction, and the second elongate member is rigid in the second direction and compliant in the first direction. The first force is imparted to the indenter tip in the first direction through the first elongate member, and the second force is imparted to the indenter tip in the second direction through the second elongate member.

This invention belongs to the technical field of cell mechanics and provides a modified method to fit cell elastic modulus based on Sneddon model. The process of the conical atomic force microscope probe compressing into the cell was simulated by ABAQUS. The simulation results are compared with the Sneddon model to get the error caused by Sneddon model. The fitting errors of Sneddon model under different circumstances were obtained by using the method of function fitting, so as to realize the modification of Sneddon model to fit cell elastic modulus. As a modified method to fit cell elastic modulus based on Sneddon model, it can be used to measure the elastic modulus of cells more accurately. The design process is convenient and fast. The design method is easy to master, and the process of use is convenient and simple.

A large radius probe for a surface analysis instrument such as an atomic force microscope (AFM). The probe is microfabricated to have a tip with a hemispherical distal end or apex. The radius of the apex is the range of about a micron making the probes particularly useful for nanoindentation analyses. The processes of the preferred embodiments allow such large radius probes to be batch fabricated to facilitate cost and robustness.

A MEMS microforce sensor for high temperature nanoindentation is used for determining a mechanical property of a sample by sensing a deflection and measuring a force. The MEMS microforce sensor includes at least a cold movable body, a heatable movable body, a heating resistor and capacitor electrodes. The cold movable body and the heatable movable body are mechanically connected by at least one bridge and the capacitor electrodes measure a force applied on the sample by sensing the deflection of the cold movable body relative to the outer frame by a change of electrical capacitance.

Protein rupture under compressive forces can be regulated by cations. More specifically, pico-Newton forces can cause rupture of protein molecules, as shown in examples with calmodulin (CaM) and tau proteins, among others. However, rupture does not occur in the presence of various concentrations of cation(s), thus elucidating new targets for disease therapy and providing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases or other conditions involving protein misfolding, dysfunction, or aggregation.