Determination of biofilm mechanical properties from tensile tests performed using a micro-cantilever method |
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Authors: | Srijan Aggarwal |
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Institution: | Department of Civil Engineering , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , 55455-0220 , USA |
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Abstract: | Recently, a micro-cantilever method was introduced for measuring the ultimate tensile strength of intact bacterial biofilms. Herein, is reported the analysis of the video files from the testing of a 4-day-old Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm to determine the elastic modulus, toughness, and failure strain. Elastic modulus (1270±280 Pa) was within the range of previously reported values (17–6000 Pa). The high failure strains (240±16%) indicate the substantial ductility of bacterial biofilms. In addition, the toughness of the biofilm sample was determined from the area under the stress–strain plot (2.8±0.44 kJ m?3). Thus, it was demonstrated that the micro-cantilever test video files can be used for the determination of other mechanical property parameters besides ultimate tensile strength. |
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Keywords: | micro-cantilever method elastic modulus toughness failure strain |
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