Output details

Micro- and nanomechanical analysis of articular cartilage by indentation-type atomic force microscopy: validation with a gel-microfiber composite microscopy

Significance of output:

A primary challenge in medicine is the need for early and presymtomatic detection of diseases. We developed nanostiffness as a new marker to follow systematic changes during the progression of osteoarthritis. This work is currently translated into a diagnostic tool. Our model system mimicking articular cartilage explains the gain of information obtained at the nanometre scale, and rationalizes our findings in terms of cartilage biology and pathology. The insights will enhance our understanding of tissue mechanics and may initiate a paradigm change in medicine, moving away from the empirical treatment of chronic pain in patients and towards evidence based medicine.