Mechanical characterisation of biocompatible microparticles

Ling Zhao, Zhibing Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The mechanical properties of biocompatible microparticles including alginate microspheres and alginate-chitosan microcapsules with different wall thickness were determined using a micromanipulation technique. Single microparticles with diameters of 20-60mum were compressed to a given deformation and held, and compressed to rupture at different speeds. The corresponding force imposed on them was measured simultaneously by a force transducer. Results showed that the force imposed on these particles increased when they were compressed, but relaxed significantly when they were held. For alginate microspheres, the faster the compression speed was, the greater the force being imposed on them at a given deformation. Alginate-chitosan microcapsules showed less force relaxation when they were held, compared with alginate microspheres. The thicker their wall was, the less significant force relaxation the microcapsules exhibited. The mean rupture force of alginate microspheres increased with the compression speed, but this effect in general became less for alginate-chitosan microcapsules, which depended on their wall thickness. However, the deformation at rupture for all three samples was independent of the compression speed. On average, the alginate-chitosan microcapsules were bigger than alginate microspheres and had a greater rupture force.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-40
Number of pages16
JournalArtificial Cells, Blood Substitutes and Biotechnology
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2004

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanical characterisation of biocompatible microparticles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this