In this webinar, Dylan Sarver and Matthew Borkowski present new research in tendon physiology and demonstrate how to measure the mechanical properties of tendon and connective tissue samples using a novel Dual-Mode Lever System.

On May 16, 2017, InsideScientific and sponsor Aurora Scientific hosted a webinar showing how to study the mechanical properties of tendon. Presenters Dylan Sarver of the University of Michigan and Matthew Borkowski of Aurora Scientific discuss tendinopathies, key principles, data analysis, and results of recent tendon research.

Matthew Borkowski introduces the Aurora Scientific Dual Mode Lever, discusses how to characterize the structural and functional properties of tendon, and demonstrates how to control and synchronize stretch, slack, and instantaneous tensile force using DMC software, and provides a list of standard experiments possible using this technology.

Following, Dylan Sarver describes his research, discussing gender differences in the properties in tendon. He reviews histology, a mechanics overview, and uses video to demonstrate tendon isolation, fixation, and measuring cross-sectional area. Finally, he shows his data, including stress-strain curves and a comparison of proteomics.

This is an essential webinar for researchers interested in studying connective tissue, muscle function/physiology, and tendon.

Follow the links below to access key educational points of the webinar…

Matthew Borkowski

  • 03:01  Information about Aurora Scientific and the Dual Mode Lever
  • 06:35  How does the Dual Mode Lever System work?
  • 12:03  Experimental Apparatus overview
  • 13:22  Technology for saving data in experiments: System Control and Software package
  • 15:13  Data Analysis: Issues and Solutions
  • 17:08  What kind of Standard Experiments can be performed with this technology?

Dylan Sarver

  • 19:00  Overview and background
  • 21:53  Tendinopathies (General overview, acknowledged sex differences and reason for study)
  • 23:21  Methods and histology
  • 24:39  Mechanics overview in research (Isolate Tendon, Cross-Sectional Area, Tendon Fixation)
  • 29:04  Mechanics overview with video and data readings
  • 32:23  Results from research shared (Gender difference between force applied and protein levels
  • 35:19  Conclusions that can be drawn from this research

Q&A

  • 36:55  What are the limitation of sample size or compliance when using this system for stress strain assays?
  • 40:53  Was destructive testing omitted during this study?
  • 42:07  Has there been any issues with slippage in destructive testing?
  • 45:29  What was the size of the suture thread used in the surgical procedure images?
  • 46:37  Is it possible to switch load control mid test? For example, could a certain strain be applied and maintain the stress for the remainder of the test?
  • 48:08  What is the minimum size or length that can be used for this apparatus?

SPEAKERS:

ASSOCIATED RESOURCES:

REFERENCES & CITATIONS:

  1. Ortega, N., & Werb, Z. (2002). New functional roles for non-collagenous domains of basement membrane collagens. Journal of Cell Science, 115(Pt 22), 4201–4214.
  2. Soslowsky, L., Thomopoulos, S., Tun, S., Flanagan, C., Keefer, C., Mastaw, J., & Carpenter, J. (2000). Neer Award 1999: Overuse activity injures the supraspinatus tendon in an animal model: A histologic and biomechanical study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 9(2), 79-84. doi:10.1067/mse.2000.101962
  3. Sarver, D. C., Kharaz, Y. A., Sugg, K. B., Gumucio, J. P., Comerford, E., & Mendias, C. L. (2017). Sex differences in tendon structure and function. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 35(10), 2117-2126. doi:10.1002/jor.23516