Differences In Viscoelastic Properties Research Articles

Gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed protein concentrate in comparison with commercial soy protein concentrate and vital wheat gluten

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn this study, a lab‐scale process was developed to aqueously de‐oil canary seed (yellow and brown‐seeded) flour and derive a protein concentrate. The protein concentrates prepared were evaluated for their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.FindingsThe aqueous process successfully reduced the oil content in both yellow‐seed and brown‐seed roller‐milled flour. The protein concentrate prepared from yellow‐seed flour and brown‐seed flour had 74.9% and 68.6% purity (dry weight basis), respectively. Proteins showed high resistance to thermal denaturation (peak denaturation at 107°C). It was found that the least gelation concentration of both protein concentrates was 16% (w/w). There were no significant differences in viscoelastic properties and water holding capacity between the protein gels of these two canary seed types and the addition of salt did not noticeably improve these properties. Compared to canary seed, commercial soy protein showed better gelation properties. Both yellow and brown canary seed protein showed a good potential for improving bread dough strength when incorporated into a low‐gluten‐strength wheat flour and was comparable to commercial vital wheat gluten at 1%–3% (w/w) inclusion levels.ConclusionsThe new canary seed protein ingredients prepared by the solvent‐free aqueous‐based process hold good potential for application in food formulation based on their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.Significance and NoveltyThe gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed were not previously studied; therefore, this study provides an insight into those properties for potential food applications for canary seed proteins, which is important for canary seed market diversification as a novel protein source.

Drying stress analysis and cracking prediction of the component of maize based on viscoelastic stress-strain model

To study the drying stress and predict cracking of the components of the maize kernel during drying, the viscoelastic stress-strain model of the maize kernel was developed considering the differences in viscoelastic properties of the components. The results showed that at the preheating and main drying stages, the stress was mainly caused by the uneven distribution of the moisture content and gradually increased with drying. At the cooling stage, the stress significantly increased in a short time due to the decrease in temperature. The stress of the hard endosperm was higher, the pericarp had the highest stress value, and the stress of the soft endosperm and germ was low. The crack volume percentage of the germ and pericarp was zero, which was consistent with the fact that there was no crack in the pericarp and germ, the cracks were mainly in the endosperm. The crack volume percentage of the endosperm gradually increased as drying progressed and significantly increased during the cooling stage, which was similar to the increasing trend in the crack degree of the endosperm at different drying stages. The viscoelastic stress-strain model combined with the von Mises stress criterion could be used to predict the stress crack formation of components at different drying stages.

Identifying a Mesomorphic Boundary Zone within Polybutene-1 Single Crystals Emerging During a Crystal–Crystal Transformation

We present experimental evidence that the transformation from one solid phase to another solid phase within a faceted polymer single crystal passes through a transient mesomorphic phase. This phase exists in the boundary zone separating the two crystalline phases of isotactic polybutene-1 (PB-1), i.e., Form II and Form I of PB-1. Employing real-time atomic force microscopy in tapping mode (TM-AFM), we followed the crystal–crystal transformation in time. TM-AFM measurements performed at about 20 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere with high humidity have allowed through differences in viscoelastic properties and associated changes in thickness to distinguish the two crystalline phases as well as the boundary zone. Measurements at an elevated temperature of 90 °C (which was far below the melting temperatures of both Form II and Form I crystals) further revealed that this boundary zone shows a transient and diffuse character and a distinctly increased thickness. Using high-resolution phase imaging of TM-AFM, we observed that within this rather extended boundary zone of up to some hundred nanometers at elevated temperatures, Form I crystals with a diameter of around 30 nm were growing in a softer and featureless matrix phase. The boundary zone and so the growth front of the Form I crystal advanced at an almost constant rate, suggesting that chains in the mesomorphic phase were considerably mobile. Our observation of an extended boundary zone probably indicates that compared to a direct crystal–crystal transformation, the corresponding free energy barrier for this transformation is lower within such a zone. Hence, our here presented model study sheds light on the poorly understood and complex pathways involved in a solid–solid transformation within a polymer single crystal.

Ex vivo magnetic resonance elastography of the small bowel in Crohn's disease.

Conventional magnetic resonance enterography is limited in differentiating active inflammation and fibrosis in lesions of Crohn's disease (CD), thus providing a restricted basis for therapeutic decision making. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an emerging imaging tool that differentiates soft tissues on the basis of their viscoelastic properties. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of MRE in assessing the viscoelastic properties of small bowel samples and quantifying differences in viscoelastic properties between healthy ileum and ileum affected by CD. Twelve patients (median age: 48 years) were prospectively enrolled in this study between September 2019 and January 2021. Patients of the study group (n=7) underwent surgery for terminal ileal CD, while patients of the control group (n=5) underwent segmental resection of healthy ileum. MRE of ileal tissue samples of surgical specimens from both groups was performed in a compact tabletop MRI scanner. Penetration rate (a in m/s) and shear wave speed (c in m/s) were determined as markers of viscosity and stiffness for vibration frequencies f of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, and 3,000 Hz. Additionally, damping ratio γ was deduced, and frequency-independent viscoelastic parameters were calculated using the viscoelastic spring-pot model. Penetration rate a was significantly lower in CD-affected ileum compared to healthy ileum for all vibration frequencies (P<0.05). Consistently, damping ratio γ was higher in CD-affected ileum, averaged over all frequencies (healthy: 0.58±0.12, CD: 1.04±0.55, P=0.03), as well as at 1,000 and 1,500 Hz individually (P<0.05). Spring-pot-derived viscosity parameter η was also significantly reduced in CD-affected tissue (2.62±1.37 versus 10.60±12.60 Pa·s, P=0.02). No significant difference was found for shear wave speed c between healthy and diseased tissue at any frequency (P>0.05). MRE of surgical small bowel specimens is feasible, allowing determination of viscoelastic properties and reliable quantification of differences in viscoelastic properties between healthy and CD-affected ileum. Thus, the results presented here are an important prerequisite for future studies investigating comprehensive MRE mapping and exact histopathological correlation including characterization and quantification of inflammation and fibrosis in CD.

Effect of Oral Environmental pH on the Dynamic Characterization of Bioactive Restorative Materials

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oral environmental pH on the viscoelastic properties of bioactive restorative materials (BRMs) by using dynamic mechanical analysis. Stainless steel molds were used to fabricate 40 beam-shaped specimens (12 × 2 × 2 mm) for each material. The specimens were finished, measured, randomly divided into four groups (n = 10), and immersed in aqueous solutions of pH 3.0, 5.0, 6.8, and 10.0 at 37 °C for seven days. The specimens were then subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis with a 5 N load and frequency range of 0.1-10.0 Hz. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Dunnet T3’s test (α = 0.05). Mean elastic modulus spanned from 2.68 ± 0.17 to 6.49 ± 0.71 GPa, while viscous modulus ranged from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.62 ± 0.12 GPa. Loss tangent differed from 77.30 ± 4.90 to 164.50 ± 9.12. Significant differences among pH were discerned for (i) Elastic modulus: Cention N - pH 3.0, 5.0, 10.0 &gt; 6.8; Activa Bioactive - pH 3.0, 6.8, 10.0 &gt; 5.0, (ii) Viscous modulus: Cention N - pH 3.0, 5.0, 10.0 &gt; 6.8, and (iii) Loss tangent: Activa Bioactive - pH 5.0 &gt; 3.0, 6.8, 10.0. Significant differences in viscoelastic properties were noted among the BRMs with Activa Bioactive presenting the lowest elastic modulus for all pH. Immersion of all materials in pH 6.8 yielded the highest elastic modulus, except for Activa Bioactive. The effects of environmental pH on viscoelastic properties of BRMs are material-dependent.

The differences in viscoelastic properties of subtendons result from the anatomical tripartite structure of human Achilles tendon - ex vivo experimental study and modeling

The human Achilles tendon (AT) is a hierarchical structure macroscopically composed of three subtendons originating from the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (GL, GM) muscles. According to recent reports, the divisible structure of the AT together with diverse material properties of its subtendons are suspected as a probable cause of non-homogeneous stress and strain distribution occurring in loaded AT. Despite numerous investigations on human AT, there is still relatively little knowledge regarding mechanical properties of subtendon-level hierarchy, which is crucial in fully understanding the multiscale relationship which governs tendon mechanics.In this paper we present the first ex vivo study conducted on SOL, GL, and GM subtendons of human AT. We investigate differences in viscoelastic properties of SOL, GM, and GL subtendons in terms of tensile modulus, mechanical hysteresis as well as stress relaxation observed at two different values of strain. Our results show that the most significant differences in mechanical properties exist between subtendon attached to the soleus muscle (SOL) and subtendons originating from the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle (GM and GL). We used our experimental results to calibrate three different constitutive models: the hyperelastic Yeoh model with power-law flow, the microstructurally motivated Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden model enhanced with strain-dependent Berström-Boyce flow and the phenomenological elasto-viscoplastic Arruda-Boyce-based model with strain-dependent Berström-Boyce flow supplemented with component representing matrix response. All calibrated models may be applied to commercial FEA software as a sufficient solution for rapid mechanical response modeling of human AT subtendons or for the purpose of future development of comprehensive patient-specific models of human lower limbs. Statement of significanceThe divisible structure of the Achilles tendon together with diverse material properties of its subtendons are suspected as a probable cause of non-homogeneous stress and strain distribution occurring in loaded Achilles tendon. Despite numerous investigations on mechanical properties of Achilles tendon, there is still relatively little knowledge regarding mechanical properties of subtendon-level hierarchy, which is crucial in fully understanding the multiscale relationship which governs tendon mechanics. This study is the first reported ex vivo investigation conducted on SOL, GL, and GM human Achilles subtendons. We investigate differences in the viscoelastic properties of individual subtendons and demonstrate that the observed differences should be considered as muscle-dependent. Our experimental research is supported with a modeling study in which we calibrate three different constitutive models.

Effect of resin coating on highly viscous glass ionomer cements: A dynamic analysis

ObjectivesThis study determined the effects of self-adhesive resin coatings on viscoelastic properties of highly viscous glass ionomer cements (HVGICs) using dynamic mechanical analysis. Materials and MethodsThe HVGICs evaluated were Zirconomer [ZR] (Shofu), Equia Forte [EQ] (GC) and Riva [RV] (SDI). Sixty specimens (12mm x 2mm x 2mm) of each material were fabricated using customized Teflon molds. After initial set, the specimens were removed from their molds, finished, measured and randomly divided into 3 groups of 20. Half the specimens in each group were left uncoated while the remaining half was covered with the respective manufacturers’ resin coating. The specimens were subsequently conditioned in distilled water, artificial saliva or citric acid at 37°C for 7 days. The uncoated and coated specimens (n=10) were then subjected to dynamic mechanical testing in flexure mode at 37°C with a frequency of 0.1 to 10Hz. Storage modulus, loss modulus and loss tangent data were subjected to normality testing and statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe’s post-hoc test and Ttest at significance level p<0.05. ResultsMean storage modulus ranged from 1.39 ± 0.36 to 10.80 ± 0.86 GPa while mean loss modulus varied from 0.13 ± 0.03 to 0.70 ± 0.14 GPa after conditioning in the different mediums. Values for loss tangent ranged from 39.4 ± 7.75 to 213.2 ± 20.11 (x10 -3 ). Significant differences in visco-elastic properties were observed between mediums and materials. When conditioned in distilled water and artificial saliva,storage modulus was significantly improved when ZR, EQ and RV were uncoated. Significantly higher values were, however, observed with resin coating when the materials were exposed to citric acid. ConclusionThe visco-elastic properties of HVGICs were influenced by both resin coating and chemical environment

Impact of storage on sensory quality of blackcurrant juices prepared with or without enzymatic treatment at industrial scale

Blackcurrant juices prepared with or without enzyme treatment at industrial scale were stored at room temperature or + 4 °C for 1 year, and their sensory profiles, chemical composition and rheological properties were investigated. The juice without enzyme treatment had less intense colour and it was perceived and measured as more viscose than the juice produced with enzyme assistance. Content of monomeric anthocyanins decreased significantly during storage in both juice types under both storing conditions. However, changes in colour intensity were observed only in the non-enzymatic juices. In the discrimination tests based on the appearance, the stored samples were detected as significantly different. Storage resulted in significant changes in contents of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols, but this did not have an impact on the bitterness or astringency of the juices. Moreover, sugar and acid contents were mainly unchanged during storage. Storage resulted in a decrease in dynamic viscosity and greater differences in viscoelastic properties for the juice with enzymatic assistance. This study provides important information about the stability of juices typically stored at room temperature for a long time.

Understanding the role of gluten subunits (LMW, HMW glutenins and gliadin) in the networking behavior of a weak soft wheat dough and a strong semolina wheat flour dough and the relationship with linear and non-linear rheology

The differences in viscoelastic properties of gluten from two very different wheat flours, a weak soft flour dough and a strong semolina dough, primarily caused by their gliadin and glutenin content including gliadin to glutenin ratio were studied. The doughs were subjected to oscillatory time sweep tests at small and large amplitudes as well as small and large frequencies. The gluten subunits (LMW, HMW glutenins and gliadins) tagged with specific fluorescent quantum dots with a distint excitation wavelength were imaged with confocal laser scanning microscopy and their distribution and interactions were measured. The quantitative imaging data was converted into networking data that included lacunarity, network area, and number of network junctions. This networking data was correlated with rheology. The two different dough systems showed different oscillatory behavior during time sweeps. The critical role of LMW glutenins in keeping the structural integrity of semolina doughs was demonstrated by a direct correlation between the non-linear elastic component ‘e3/e1’ of the dough and protein network parameters of LMW glutenins. It was also shown that gliadins and HMW glutenins co-localize and associate throughout rheological deformations of the dough. The disruption of the three gluten subunits are responsible for rheological breakdown of soft wheat flour dough, with gliadins influencing the breakdown of the network at higher amplitude deformations. This research presents a new method to analyze the microstructure of wheat doughs and new understanding of how the network structure of the dough subunits contribute and are correlated with fundamental rheological tests.

Dynamic analysis of bulk-fill composites: Effect of food-simulating liquids

This study investigated the effect of food simulating liquids on visco-elastic properties of bulk-fill restoratives using dynamic mechanical analysis. One conventional composite (Filtek Z350 [FZ]), two bulk-fill composites (Filtek Bulk-fill [FB] and Tetric N Ceram [TN]) and a bulk-fill giomer (Beautifil-Bulk Restorative [BB]) were evaluated. Specimens (12 × 2 × 2mm) were fabricated using customized stainless steel molds. The specimens were light-cured, removed from their molds, finished, measured and randomly divided into six groups. The groups (n = 10) were conditioned in the following mediums for 7 days at 37°C: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), distilled water, 0.02N citric acid, heptane, 50% ethanol-water solution. Specimens were assessed using dynamic mechanical testing in flexural three-point bending mode and their respective mediums at 37°C and a frequency range of 0.1–10Hz. The distance between the supports were fixed at 10mm and an axial load of 5N was employed. Data for elastic modulus, viscous modulus and loss tangent were subjected to ANOVA/Tukey's tests at significance level p < 0.05. Significant differences in visco-elastic properties were observed between materials and mediums. Apart from bulk-fill giomer, elastic modulus was the highest after conditioning in heptane. No apparent trends were noted for viscous modulus. Generally, loss tangent was the highest after conditioning in ethanol. The effect of food-simulating liquids on the visco-elastic properties of bulk-fill composites was material and medium dependent.

A Molecular Rotor that Measures Dynamic Changes of Lipid Bilayer Viscosity Caused by Oxidative Stress.

Oxidation of cellular structures is typically an undesirable process that can be a hallmark of certain diseases. On the other hand, photooxidation is a necessary step of photodynamic therapy (PDT), a cancer treatment causing cell death upon light irradiation. Here, the effect of photooxidation on the microscopic viscosity of model lipid bilayers constructed of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine has been studied. A molecular rotor has been employed that displays a viscosity‐dependent fluorescence lifetime as a quantitative probe of the bilayer's viscosity. Thus, spatially‐resolved viscosity maps of lipid photooxidation in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were obtained, testing the effect of the positioning of the oxidant relative to the rotor in the bilayer. It was found that PDT has a strong impact on viscoelastic properties of lipid bilayers, which ‘travels’ through the bilayer to areas that have not been irradiated directly. A dramatic difference in viscoelastic properties of oxidized GUVs by Type I (electron transfer) and Type II (singlet oxygen‐based) photosensitisers was also detected.

Influence of Crystal Allomorph and Crystallinity on the Products and Behavior of Cellulose during Fast Pyrolysis

Cellulose is the primary biopolymer responsible for maintaining the structural and mechanical integrity of cell walls and, during the fast pyrolysis of biomass, may be restricting cell wall expansion and inhibiting phase transitions that would otherwise facilitate efficient escape of pyrolysis products. Here, we test whether modifications in two physical properties of cellulose, its crystalline allomorph and degree of crystallinity, alter its performance during fast pyrolysis. We show that both crystal allomorph and relative crystallinity of cellulose impact the slate of primary products produced by fast pyrolysis. For both cellulose-I and cellulose-II, changes in crystallinity dramatically impact the fast pyrolysis product portfolio. In both cases, only the most highly crystalline samples produced vapors dominated by levoglucosan. Cellulose-III, on the other hand, produces largely the same slate of products regardless of its relative crystallinity and produced as much or more levoglucosan at all crystallinity levels compared to cellulose-I or II. In addition to changes in products, the different cellulose allomorphs affected the viscoelastic properties of cellulose during rapid heating. Real-time hot-stage pyrolysis was used to visualize the transition of the solid material through a molten phase and particle shrinkage. SEM analysis of the chars revealed additional differences in viscoelastic properties and molten phase behavior impacted by cellulose crystallinity and allomorph. Regardless of relative crystallinity, the cellulose-III samples displayed the most obvious evidence of having transitioned through a molten phase.

The effects of strain amplitude and localization on viscoelastic mechanical behaviour of human abdominal fascia.

The purpose of the paper is to examine and compare the viscoelastic mechanical properties of human transversalis and umbilical fasciae according to chosen strain levels. A sequence of relaxation tests of finite deformation ranging from 4 to 6% strain with increment 0.3% was performed at strain rate 1.26 mm/s. Initial and equilibrium stresses T0, Teq, initial modulus E and equilibrium modulus Eeq, reduction of the stress during relaxation process ΔT, as well as the ratio (1 - Eeq /E) were calculated. The range in which parameters change their values are (0.184-1.74 MPa) for initial stress, (0.098-0.95 MPa) for equilibrium stress, (43.5-4.6 MPa) for initial modulus E. For Eeq this interval is (23.75-2.45 MPa). There are no statistically significant differences between the values of these parameters according to localization. The differences in viscoelastic properties of both fasciae are demonstrated by reduction of the stress during relaxation process and ratio (1 - Eeq /E). The values of ΔT and (1 - Eeq /E) ratio for umbilical fascia are significantly greater than that of fascia transversalis. An increase of 2% in strain leads to change of the normalized relaxation ratio of fasciae between 28%-66%. There is a weak contribution of viscous elements in fascia transversalis samples during relaxation, while in umbilical fascia the contribution of viscous component increases with strain level to 0.66 at 5.3% strain. This study adds new data for the material properties of human abdominal fascia. The results demonstrate that in chosen range of strain there is an influence of localization on visco-elastic tissue properties.

Chaos analysis of viscoelastic chaotic flows of polymeric fluids in a micro-channel

Many fluids, including biological fluids such as mucus and blood, are viscoelastic. Through the introduction of chaotic flows in a micro-channel and the construction of maps of characteristic chaos parameters, differences in viscoelastic properties of these fluids can be measured. This is demonstrated by creating viscoelastic chaotic flows induced in an H-shaped micro-channel through the steady infusion of a polymeric fluid of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and another immiscible fluid (silicone oil). A protocol for chaos analysis was established and demonstrated for the analysis of the chaotic flows generated by two polymeric fluids of different molecular weight but with similar relaxation times. The flows were shown to be chaotic through the computation of their correlation dimension (D2) and the largest Lyapunov exponent (λ1), with D2 being fractional and λ1 being positive. Contour maps of D2 and λ1 of the respective fluids in the operating space, which is defined by the combination of polymeric fluids and silicone oil flow rates, were constructed to represent the characteristic of the chaotic flows generated. It was observed that, albeit being similar, the fluids have generally distinct characteristic maps with some similar trends. The differences in the D2 and λ1 maps are indicative of the difference in the molecular weight of the polymers in the fluids because the driving force of the viscoelastic chaotic flows is of molecular origin. This approach in constructing the characteristic maps of chaos parameters can be employed as a diagnostic tool for biological fluids and, more generally, chaotic signals.

Continuous Shear Wave Elastography: A New Method to Measure Viscoelastic Properties of Tendons in Vivo

Viscoelastic mechanical properties are frequently altered after tendon injuries and during recovery. Therefore, non-invasive measurements of shear viscoelastic properties may help evaluate tendon recovery and compare the effectiveness of different therapies. The objectives of this study were to describe an elastography method for measuring localized viscoelastic properties of tendons and to discuss the initial results in healthy and injured human Achilles and semitendinosus tendons. The technique used an external actuator to generate the shear waves in the tendon at different frequencies and plane wave imaging to measure shear wave displacements. For each of the excitation frequencies, maps of direction-specific wave speeds were calculated using local frequency estimation. Maps of viscoelastic properties were obtained using a pixel-wise curve fit of wave speed and frequency. The method was validated by comparing measurements of wave speed in agarose gels with those obtained using magnetic resonance elastography. Measurements in human healthy Achilles tendons revealed a pronounced increase in wave speed as a function of frequency, which highlights the importance of tendon viscoelasticity. Additionally, the viscoelastic properties of the Achilles tendon were larger than those reported for other tissues. Measurements in a tendinopathic Achilles tendon indicated that it is feasible to quantify local viscoelastic properties. Similarly, measurement in the semitendinosus tendon revealed substantial differences in viscoelastic properties between the healthy and contralateral tendons. Consequently, this technique has the potential to evaluate localized changes in tendon viscoelastic properties caused by injury and during recovery in a clinical setting.

Viscoelasticity in Achilles tendonopathy: quantitative assessment by using real-time shear-wave elastography.

To investigate the differences in viscoelastic properties between normal and pathologic Achilles tendons (ATs) by using real-time shear-wave elastography (SWE). The institutional review board approved this study, and written informed consent was obtained from 25 symptomatic patients and 80 volunteers. One hundred eighty ultrasonographic (US) and SWE studies of ATs without tendonopathy and 30 studies of the middle portion of the AT in patients with tendonopathy were assessed prospectively. Each study included data sets acquired at B-mode US (tendon morphology and cross-sectional area) and SWE (axial and sagittal mean velocity and relative anisotropic coefficient) for two passively mobilized ankle positions. The presence of AT tears at B-mode US and signal-void areas at SWE were noted. Significantly lower mean velocity was shown in tendons with tendonopathy than in normal tendons in the relaxed position at axial SWE (P < .001) and in the stretched position at sagittal (P < .001) and axial (P = .0026) SWE. Tendon softening was a sign of tendonopathy in relaxed ATs when the mean velocity was less than or equal to 4.06 m · sec(-1) at axial SWE (sensitivity, 54.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.8, 74.4; specificity, 91.5%; 95% CI: 86.3, 95.1) and less than or equal to 5.70 m · sec(-1) at sagittal SWE (sensitivity, 41.7%; 95% CI: 22.1, 63.3; specificity, 81.8%; 95% CI: 75.3, 87.2) and in stretched ATs, when the mean velocity was less than or equal to 4.86 m · sec(-1) at axial SWE (sensitivity, 66.7%; 95% CI: 44.7, 84.3; specificity, 75.6%; 95% CI: 68.5, 81.7) and less than or equal to 14.58 m · sec(-1) at sagittal SWE (sensitivity, 58.3%; 95% CI: 36.7, 77.9; specificity, 83.5%; 95% CI: 77.2, 88.7). Anisotropic results were not significantly different between normal and pathologic ATs. Six of six (100%) partial-thickness tears appeared as signal-void areas at SWE. Whether the AT was relaxed or stretched, SWE helped to confirm and quantify pathologic tendon softening in patients with tendonopathy in the midportion of the AT and did not reveal modifications of viscoelastic anisotropy in the tendon. Tendon softening assessed by using SWE appeared to be highly specific, but sensitivity was relatively low.

Local Viscoelastic Properties of Live Cells Investigated Using Dynamic and Quasi-Static Atomic Force Microscopy Methods

The measurement of viscoelasticity of cells in physiological environments with high spatio-temporal resolution is a key goal in cell mechanobiology. Traditionally only the elastic properties have been measured from quasi-static force-distance curves using the atomic force microscope (AFM). Recently, dynamic AFM-based methods have been proposed to map the local in vitro viscoelastic properties of living cells with nanoscale resolution. However, the differences in viscoelastic properties estimated from such dynamic and traditional quasi-static techniques are poorly understood. In this work we quantitatively reconstruct the local force and dissipation gradients (viscoelasticity) on live fibroblast cells in buffer solutions using Lorentz force excited cantilevers and present a careful comparison between mechanical properties (local stiffness and damping) extracted using dynamic and quasi-static force spectroscopy methods. The results highlight the dependence of measured viscoelastic properties on both the frequency at which the chosen technique operates as well as the interactions with subcellular components beyond certain indentation depth, both of which are responsible for differences between the viscoelasticity property maps acquired using the dynamic AFM method against the quasi-static measurements.

Restructuring the vocal fold lamina propria with endoscopic microdissection

The purposes of this preclinical study were to investigate histologic and rheologic outcomes of Microendoscopy of Reinke's space (MERS)-guided minithyrotomy and to assess its instrumentation. Human cadaveric and in vivo animal study. Three human cadaveric larynges were treated with MERS-guided placement of Radiesse VoiceGel and immediately evaluated histologically for biomaterial location. In the second part of this investigation, two scarred porcine larynges were treated with MERS-guided placement of HyStem-VF and rheologically evaluated 6 weeks later. Student t tests determined differences in viscoelastic properties of treated/untreated vocal folds. Sialendoscopes and microendoscopes were subjectively compared for their visualization capacity. MERS imaged the subepithelial area and vocal ligament, guiding both tissue dissection and biomaterial positioning. Sialendoscopes provided adequate visualization and feature incorporated working channels. Enhanced image clarity was created in a gas-filled rather than saline-filled environment, per rater judgment. Histological analysis revealed desirable biomaterial positioning with MERS. Per rheological analysis, viscoelastic properties of the MERS-treated porcine vocal folds compared to uninjured vocal folds 6 weeks following treatment did not statistically differ. MERS-guided laryngoplasty using sialendoscopes yielded satisfactory biomaterial positioning in the short-term and normalized rheologic tissue properties in the long-term, contributing to proof of concept for MERS in the treatment of scarring. Strengths of MERS include direct, real-time visualization of Reinke's space and an ability to manipulate surgical instruments parallel to the vocal fold edge while maintaining an intact epithelium. Future work will explore the clinical utility of MERS for addressing scarring, sulcus vocalis, and other intracordal processes.

Visualizing Collagen Network within Human and Rhesus Monkey Vocal Folds Using Polarized Light Microscopy

Collagen fiber content and orientation affect the viscoelastic properties of the vocal folds, determining oscillation characteristics during speech and other vocalization. The investigation and reconstruction of the collagen network in vocal folds remains a challenge, because the collagen network requires at least micron-scale resolution. In this study, we used polarized light microscopy to investigate the distribution and alignment of collagen fibers within the vocal folds. Data were collected in sections of human and rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) vocal folds cut at 3 different angles and stained with picrosirius red. Statistically significant differences were found between different section angles, implying that more than one section angle is required to capture the network's complexity. In the human vocal folds, the collagen fiber distribution continuously varied across the lamina propria (medial to lateral). Distinct differences in birefringence distribution were observed between the species. For the human vocal folds, high birefringence was observed near the thyroarytenoid muscle and near the epithelium. However, in the rhesus monkey vocal folds, high birefringence was observed near the epithelium, and lower birefringence was seen near the thyroarytenoid muscle. The differences between the collagen networks in human and rhesus monkey vocal folds provide a morphological basis for differences in viscoelastic properties between species.

Viscoelastic characterisation of chordae tendineae of the mitral valve: requirements for future replacement materials

BackgroundChordal rupture can cause mitral valve regurgitation, which can be corrected by chordal replacement. Development of novel replacement chordae requires measurement of chordal properties under loads as they occur in vivo. However, frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of chordae—ie, the storage E′ and loss E″ moduli which measure elastic recoil and energy dissipation, respectively—are unknown. This study aimed to characterise viscoelastic properties of chordae tendineae over physiological frequencies. MethodsDynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed with a materials testing machine (Bose EnduraTEC 3200). 52 chordae were dissected from six porcine hearts and categorised as basal, marginal, strut, or commissural. After precycling, chordae were sinusoidally loaded at chordal-specific loads mimicking physiological loading (determined from literature). For example, different loading conditions were applied to marginal (0·6 N [± amplitude 0·5]) and basal (0·8 N [0·7]) chordae. Chordae were loaded at a range of frequencies between 0·5 and 5 Hz (hearts typically beat at around 1·2 Hz)—ie, physiological and pathophysiological heart rates. FindingsE′ (p<0·05), but not E″ (p>0·05), was frequency dependent for all chordae. E′ was greater than E″ for all chordae (p<0·05). E′ and E″ varied with chordal categories, with marginal chordae (E′ 816·9 MPa, E″ 80·9 MPa) being stiffest and strut chordae (E′ 137·1 MPa, E″ 12·3 MPa) the most compliant. This finding was consistent with E′ being inversely proportional to chordal thickness (p<0·05). InterpretationViscoelastic properties of chordae are dependent on both frequency and chordal type. The hierarchy of chordal stiffness (based on E′ values, highest to lowest) is marginal, commissural, basal, and strut. Differences in viscoelastic properties probably reflect chordal roles in the mitral valve: thinner marginal chordae are stiffer to ensure valve closure without regurgitation, and thicker basal and strut chordae transfer greater loads but are not responsible for valve competence and can, thus, be more compliant under dynamic loading. Future/novel replacement chordal materials must account for frequency dependent viscoelastic properties of chordae tendineae. FundingSociety of Biology, EU Seventh Framework Programme, and Arthritis Research UK.