Fibrosis is a condition characterized by the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, usually as a result of injury. This process can lead to severe complications in organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart. Therefore, understanding and tracking fibrosis progression is paramount in disease modeling.
Measuring matrix stiffness
Our nanoindentors offer a unique solution to this challenge. They allow researchers to measure the mechanical properties of fibrotic tissues, providing valuable data that can serve as mechanical biomarkers for the disease. This is a significant advancement in the field, as traditional methods of assessing fibrosis often rely on invasive procedures or indirect measures.
The application notes we provide delve into practical cases where our nanoindentors have been used in fibrosis research. They highlight how these tools can accurately measure the stiffness of fibrotic tissues and fibroblasts. This information is crucial, as an increase in tissue stiffness is a hallmark of fibrosis progression. Moreover, our nanoindentors are not just limited to fibrosis research. They can be used in a variety of other fields, including materials science and engineering, where understanding the mechanical properties of materials is essential.