The team is now looking to further develop their research and create more sophisticated fiber-tip microprobes with higher precision and better mechanical properties. In addition, they are exploring the potential applications of their technology in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cancer diagnosis.
2023-02-10 14:01:03
Article from phys.org
Recent research by a team of scientists at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) has led to the development of a 3D printed microprobe that can measure the biomechanical properties of tissues in a living organism. This achievement could significantly improve understanding of how the body works, potentially leading to the development of new treatments and therapies.
The 3D microprobe, which was developed in the UCSD NanoEngineering department by a team led by Professor Shyni Varghese, is less than a millimeter in size and is made from non-toxic, flexible materials that can adhere closely to tissue surfaces. It measures the biomechanical properties of living tissue by measuring the elastic moduli, which is a measure of stiffness. This information can then be used to investigate the effects of disease and aging on the biomechanical properties of tissues, as well as to study tissue healing and regeneration.
In addition, other potential applications of the 3D microprobe could include the investigation of stem cell function, the development of disease diagnostics, and the optimization of medical device design. Such applications could reduce patient risk in treatments and give doctors a better understanding of how tissues interact with devices and implants.
The scientists behind the 3D microprobe believe it has the potential to revolutionize medical research, and they are currently conducting further studies to refine the technology and explore its applications. This could lead to the development of more effective treatments and therapies in the near future.