(Vienna, 31 July 2026) The Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery at MedUni Vienna and NETZSCH-Gerätebau GmbH are launching a collaboration in the field of life sciences. The aim is to develop new methods for the biomechanical characterisation of biomaterials and biological tissues.
A high-precision dynamic mechanical analyser will be used to examine, amongst other things, hydrogels and bio-inks derived from human donor material, as well as tissue samples from various organs. The focus is on properties such as elasticity, stiffness, viscoelasticity, damping behaviour and structural integrity.
Changes in tissue mechanics may be linked to diseases, ageing processes or regenerative processes. The planned analyses are therefore intended to provide new insights for basic research as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. At the same time, the aim is to enable human-derived biomaterials to be adapted even more precisely to the properties of natural organs in future.
“This collaboration allows us to apply state-of-the-art material characterisation to biological questions and to better understand the mechanical properties of different tissues,” explains Karl Schneider from MedUni Vienna. “The data obtained are of particular importance for translational research and 3D bioprinting.”
Among other things, samples from the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and muscles are being examined. Standardised measurement protocols are intended to provide reliable reference data for pre-clinical studies, biomimetic materials and new medical technologies.