Mechanical characterization

Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we quantify the nanomechanical properties of cartilage and vascular tissues at both the single‑cell level and within intact tissue constructs. Complementary macroscopic indentation and compression testing systems enable the assessment of mechanical parameters at the tissue scale. Combining these two levels — from single‑cell mechanics to macroscopic tissue responses — provides a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of native and in‑vitro‑generated constructs. Correlating these mechanical parameters with histological and biochemical analyses yields a complete picture of structural and functional tissue quality. This multiscale mechanical characterization provides essential evaluation criteria for the development of functional cartilage and vascular constructs in tissue engineering.