How Nanoindentation Offers New Insights into Fibrosis Progression
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 extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness
Healthy tissues possess a specific stiffness that allows them to function properly. During fibrosis, this stiffness increases significantly. This stiffening occurs due to the excessive deposition of collagen, a major component of scar tissue. Collagen fibers are much stiffer than the healthy components they replace, leading to a loss of elasticity and a more rigid tissue structure.
Our nanoindenters offer a unique solution to this challenge. These tools can measure the mechanical properties of tissues and cell cultures, including their stiffness. Since increased stiffness is a hallmark of fibrosis progression, it can serve as a valuable mechanical biomarker. By measuring stiffness, researchers can gain insights into the severity and progression of fibrosis without resorting to invasive procedures. This paves the way for the development of non-invasive diagnostic and disease modeling platform based on tissue mechanics.
Take Control of Your Research: Download Our Fibrosis Application Note
Learn more about how nanoindentation can revolutionize your fibrosis research. Our comprehensive application note delves deeper into the specifics of using our nanoindenters to measure fibrotic tissue stiffness and fibroblasts.
