PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2025

Passive biaxial mechanical properties of sheep myocardium

Pandelani T, Semakane L, et al.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

University of South Africa, Durban University of Technology, Perm National Research Polytechnic University

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study investigated the passive biaxial mechanical properties of sheep myocardium to characterize the anisotropic mechanical behavior of the right ventricle (RV), left ventricle (LV), and mid-wall septum (MDW). Ten hearts were collected and tested under physiological conditions to minimize variability. Distinct nonlinear stress–strain characteristics were observed, with the LV showing higher stiffness and anisotropy, while the RV displayed greater strain energy storage and compliance. The study provides valuable data for constitutive modeling of cardiac tissue and understanding chamber-specific mechanical adaptations.

Biaxial tensile testing was performed using a CellScale BioTester 5000 to measure stress–strain relationships in the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Square samples (18 × 18 mm) were mounted with a 0.5 mN preload in 37 °C saline solution and preconditioned with 10 cyclic loadings to minimize viscoelastic effects. The BioTester’s optical tracking and dual-axis force control enabled precise quantification of anisotropic mechanical responses in LV, RV, and MDW myocardium.

AUTHORS

Thanyani Pandelani, Letlhogonolo Semakane, Makhosasana Msibi, Alex G. Kuchumov, Fulufhelo Nemavhola.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

University of South Africa, Durban University of Technology, Perm National Research Polytechnic University

COUNTRIES

Russia, South Africa

INSTRUMENT USED

BioTester

TESTING METHODS

Biaxial TestingHydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingTensile TestingViscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Cardiac Tissue Engineering & MechanicsMechanotransduction

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