Structural and Property Characterization

Services

The structural and property characterization core technologies provide a wide range of analytical techniques for research and training in life science and biomaterials and bioengineering fields.

Core Technologies

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy uses an infrared radiation beam to identify the chemical structure of a molecule by measuring the absorbance of light at different frequencies. When combined with a microscope, chemical changes can be imaged as a function of position. FTIR has the capability to provide biological tissue and biomaterial information. such as mineral/matrix ratio, protein secondary structure, collagen crosslinking and orientation, mineral crystallinity and composition in mineralized tissue research.

Fees
FTIR (UMKC Users Only)

  • Data Collection: $90/hr
  • Data Analysis: $30/hr (optional)

Raman Microspectroscopy

The Raman microspectroscopy laboratory is equipped with high-resolution Raman units that provide information on molecular bonds in biological tissues and biomaterials. Raman spectroscopy, as an FTIR complementary instrument, is a fast, relatively simple and non-destructive technique that provides information on the chemical and molecular structure of different materials. Unlike infrared spectroscopy, no sample preparation is required, nor is there interference due to water content in the sample. Raman spectroscopy is based on the inelastic scattering of photons (light) by phonons (crystal vibrations).

Fees
Raman Microspectroscopy (UMKC Users Only)

  • Data Collection: $90/hr
  • Data Analysis: $30/hr (optional)

Microcomputed Tomography

Microcomputed tomography (MicroCT) is X-ray imaging in 3D, by the same method used in hospital CT or CAT scans, but on a small scale with massively increased resolution. It is an excellent tool for evaluating bone quality. Scanning can be done in vivo or ex vivo.

Fees
Microcomputed Tomography

  • UMKC Users
    • In-vivo/Ex-vivo Scanning: $25 per sample
    • Technician Analysis: $30 per sample (optional)
    • Assisted Analysis: $20 per sample (optional)
  • Non-UMKC Users
    • In-vivo/Ex-vivo Scanning: $50 per sample
    • Technician Analysis: $60 per sample (optional)
    • Assisted Analysis: $40 per sample (optional)

Contact Us
Email Donggao Zhao for FTIR, Raman Microspectroscopy or MicroCT Fee-For-Service Forms and scheduling

Mechanical testing

The mechanical testing laboratory provides structural, physical and mechanical assessment of materials and products. Tests are carried out under environmentally controlled conditions to ensure that the materials and products meet specification and are fit for their intended purpose. Biological tissues and biomaterials can be evaluated to measure properties, such as tensile, compressive or flexural strength, hardness, micro-hardness and modulus of elasticity. 

Fees
Mechanical Testing

  • UMKC Users
    • Sample Preparation: $30/hr (optional)
    • Static Mechanical Testing: $20/sample
    • Microhardness Testing: $40/sample
  • Non-UMKC Users
    • Sample Preparation: $50/hr (optional)
    • Static Mechanical Testing: $40/sample
    • Microhardness Testing: $40/sample

Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoindentation

The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation laboratory is focused on nanoscale characterization of materials and structures. It features high resolution scanning probe techniques for atomic- and nano-scale characterization to image the topography of surfaces at the sub-100-micron scale.

Nanoindentation is performed in conjunction with AFM. The area for testing is located by AFM imaging, and indentations imaged by AFM after testing. The depth of the indentation is measured from the AFM image to evaluate hardness. A force-displacement curve obtained during indentation also provides indications of the sample material’s mechanical and physical properties such as elastic modulus and hardness

Fees
AFM/Nanoindentation (UMKC Users Only)

  • Data Collection: $90/hr
  • Data Analysis: $30/hr (optional)

Contact Us
Email Jessica Moniz for Mechanical Testing or AFM/Nano Fee-For-Service Forms and scheduling