A Magnetic Post Approach for Measuring the Viscoelasticity of Biomaterials

A wide variety of tools are used in studying the viscoelasticity of materials. Devices used range from microbeads dispersed in a fluid to standard cone-and-plate rheometers. In order to further the techniques for in situ testing of materials, we have developed a new microdevice for measuring viscoelasticity. The device uses a polydimethylsiloxane post filled with magnetic microparticles. The force on the post is controlled with oscillating magnetic fields in order to measure properties of a fluid or gel. The device was calibrated with mixtures of glycerol and then used to observe the gelation process for collagen gels. The results from using the new device had good agreement with previous experimental results. [2015-0197]