CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK - Nanoindentation with Biological Applications - page 343

CHAPTER 11
CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK
Michelle L. Oyen
Department of Engineering, Cambridge University
E-mail: [e-mail]
This volume has considered the application of nanoindentation testing
techniques for the evaluation of the mechanical properties of biological
materials. The topic began with an exploration of the fundamental
contact mechanics principles upon which nanoindentation methods are
based, including elastic, plastic, viscous and viscoelastic deformation
modes, and adhesion between the indenter and sample. The topic then
considered specific applications of nanoindentation testing to biological
tissues such as bone, tooth tissues, soft tissues and other biological
materials such as plants, woods and seashells. The indentation of
membranes and structures, applicable to the indentation of isolated
biological cells, was also considered.
There are several reasons for considering this subject. Biological
materials can have intrinsically mechanical functions, and understanding
the underlying structure-property relationships can promote general
knowledge. There are at least two possible applications for the
information gained by understanding biomechanics in this context. First,
the knowledge can be used to aid in biomedicine in the context of
repairing injuries or replacing extracted tissues. Tissue engineering
is a large and growing area of investigation, but more attention has been
paid to the composition and biological function of engineered tissues
than to their mechanical function. Second, there are also significant
opportunities for future developments in the area of biomimetics, where
natural principles are exploited to design novel materials and devices.
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