Amsterdam, September 2025 – Optics11 Life just announced its first-ever Proof of Concept Competition, inviting researchers to demonstrate how nanoindentation-based biomechanics – quantifying stiffness and viscoelasticity – can improve the reliability of human-based 3D models in drug discovery and preclinical research.
Why this matters
As the field shifts toward non-animal, human-relevant models, mechanical microenvironments (ECM, hydrogels, scaffolds, engineered tissues) must be characterized and tuned to achieve reproducible biology. Nanoindentation provides sensitive, sample-friendly measurements across scales, from single cells and 2D cultures to spheroids and organoids, hydrogels, ex vivo tissues, and engineered muscle, helping teams link mechanical cues to function and phenotype.
What winners receive
Two winning projects will receive a pilot day (8 hours) with an Optics11 Life Field Application Scientist, including:
- Consultation & sample prep guidance tailored to your model
- Biomechanical testing on Optics11 Life platforms (your samples)
- Data analysis & interpretation focused on your research question
- Actionable recommendations for integrating mechanics into your workflow
Our nanoindenters provide quantitative insights into the mechanical properties of skin, biomaterials, and cosmetic formulations. This enables R&D teams to optimize product performance, improve safety and efficacy, and reduce environmental impact through better testing methods.
Who should apply?
Academic and industry teams working on:
- 3D in vitro disease models, organoids and spheroids
- Biomaterials (hydrogels, ECM, scaffolds, decellularized tissues)
- Regenerative medicine / tissue engineering
- Fibrosis, oncology, cardiology, neuromuscular, pulmonary, or metabolic models
- Method development or QC for 3D culture systems
When and where?
Submit a short abstract of less than 300 words describing your research objective and model, and how stiffness and viscoelasticity measurements would advance your study.
Submit your abstract by 31 October 2025. The winners will be announced by 25 November 2025.
Want to participate in the competition?
Apply now and view full Terms & Conditions
