Micro-indentation analysis of cross-sectioned bone samples
Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Bone with the Assistance of Digital Light Microscopy
Micro-indentation analysis of cross-sectioned bone samples has the potential to unravel differences in bone quality and fracture mechanisms. Since bone consists of a spongy structure, it is imperative to control the position of indentations using high-resolution imaging, ensuring every indent is exclusively located in mineralized material. Electron microscopy is commonly employed for inspection, but this is time consuming and image quality is limited due to out-of-focus problems.
At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Dr. Björn Busse and his group have instead employed the Olympus DSX500i inverted digital light microscope to streamline micro-indentation testing. Fast and efficient, this system enhances image quality to confirm the exact localization of the indentations.