Biosensors

Implantable biosensors are increasingly used in many different applications such as for blood glucose and uric acid monitoring.  Biosensors are also used in load bearing applications for force and pressure measurements.  These probes have been implanted in anterior cruciate ligaments and intervertebral disc annulus (Glos et al, Journal of Biomechanics, 2010).  Mechanical testing and characterization of these types of biosensors is often a critical aspect of their in vivo performance.  Depending on the implantation site, biosensors may be subjected to challenging biomechanical environments.  For example, fatigue testing may be required to establish the fatigue life (s/n curves) of the biosensor.

Another biosensor application are implantable MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) developed to measure blood flow (Steeves et al, Journal of Materials Science.  Materials in Medicine, 2007).  In vitro test systems that mimic the physiologic blood flow environment may provide insight into the biosensor behavior post implantation.  Bose® test instruments that provide tension/compression/torsion/bending and fluid flow may be suitable for the mechanical properties characterization of implantable biosensors.

Key Testing Performance Benefits