Investigating the Texture and Properties of Bio-Inspired Materials using Texture Analysis

Bio-inspired materials are substances that mimic natural materials found in organisms, such as bone, shells, and silk, to name a few. These materials have gained significant attention in recent years due to their desirable properties, such as high strength, lightweight, and environmentally friendly nature. Scientists and engineers are keen on studying these materials to understand their unique properties and develop innovative applications in various industries. One approach to investigate bio-inspired materials is through texture analysis, which allows us to determine their physical characteristics and properties in a detailed and quantitative manner.

By studying the texture/physical properties of a material, scientists can draw conclusions about its properties, such as strength, friction, and wear resistance. Texture analysis has significant value in the development of bio-inspired materials, as it plays a crucial role in understanding their unique properties. For example, bio-inspired materials often exhibit hierarchical structures, which means they possess multiple levels of organisation at different length scales. By analysing the texture of these materials at different scales, scientists can uncover the relationship between structure and properties. This knowledge can help in designing and fabricating artificial materials with similar hierarchical structures to achieve superior performance.

A Texture Analyser gives a reliable way to test the mechanical (and sensorial) properties of products by applying a choice of compression, tension, extrusion, adhesion or bending tests to measure a product’s physical properties e.g. toughness, bite force or firmness.

Stable Micro Systems range of Texture Analysers

One notable example of texture analysis in bio-inspired materials study is the analysis of bone microstructure. Bone is a remarkable biological material that possesses exceptional strength and toughness. Researchers have used texture analysis techniques to provide insights into how structural features contribute to bone's mechanical properties, leading to advancements in biomaterials design for medical applications. 

Additionally, texture analysis has been applied to bio-inspired materials like spider silk, which is known for its exceptional elasticity and strength-to-weight ratio. By studying the texture of spider silk at different length scales, scientists have been able to uncover the intricate arrangement of proteins within the silk fibres, leading to a deeper understanding of its remarkable properties. This knowledge has facilitated the development of artificial silk fibres with similar characteristics for applications in textiles, medical devices, and even bulletproof vests.

Typical research examples of how a Texture Analyser has been used in this field:

• Self‐Wrinkling Vapor‐Deposited Polymer Films with Tunable Patterns
• Sustainable panels based on starch bioadhesives: An insight into structural and tribological performance
• A top-down approach to improve collagen film's performance: The comparisons of macro, micro and nano sized fibers
• Tuneable Recombinant Spider Silk Protein Hydrogels for Drug Release and 3D Cell Culture
• Novel hybrid composites based on double-decker silsesquioxanes functionalized by methacrylate derivatives and polyvinyl alcohol as potential materials utilized in biomedical applications
• A 3d monofilament biosuture for microvascular surgery applications
• Three-dimensional printing using a maize protein: zein-based inks in biomedical applications

Texture analysis is a valuable research approach which can be employed to develop innovative materials with enhanced performance for various applications. As the field of bio-inspired materials continues to advance, texture analysis will remain a crucial tool in understanding and harnessing the remarkable properties of these materials.

Learn more about what other tests material properties a Texture Analyser can measure.

Find out more about other tests that can be performed in materials testing.

Why not take a look at our case studies to see typical examples of how industry leaders are already using the Texture Analyser to get ahead of the competition.

Request a demonstration of any of our instruments.  Let us know, we’d be happy to show you how things work.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

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