Graduate Studies

 

First Advisor

Ruiguo Yang

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Date of this Version

7-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Under the supervision of Professor Ruiguo Yang

Lincoln, Nebraska, July 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Grayson D. Minnick. Used by permission

Abstract

Two-photon polymerization (TPP) enables the 3D fabrication of micro- and nanostructures from biocompatible materials with high resolutions, reaching into the realm of hundreds of nanometers. Such capabilities are crucial for advancing applications in fields like mechanobiology. As microscale technologies evolve, the precise characterization of material properties becomes increasingly essential. This is especially true for TPP-printed microstructures serving as scaffolds for 3D cell culture and intended for studying the mechanics of tissues. Despite the importance, traditional micro-scale tensile testing methods typically lack scalability and fail to replicate relevant environmental conditions. This dissertation introduces a new device that is specifically designed to enhance throughput and that enables tensile testing of microfibers within liquid environments. This microscale tensile testing device not only enhances testing capabilities but also provides unique insights into material behaviors, unlocking new possibilities for understanding and manipulating micro- and nano-scale materials. Central to this research is an extensive exploration of the physical and chemical processes underlying TPP. By examining various processing parameters and their effects on mechanical properties, this study elucidates how TPP can be optimized for enhanced performance. The results demonstrate that the new device not only significantly improves the efficiency of microscale mechanical testing but also enables precise evaluation of the fabrication process. This advancement establishes a new benchmark for evaluating microscale materials, crucial for advancing fields such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These advancements also contribute significantly to the field of materials testing by providing a robust tool for rapid and detailed assessment of a multitude of photo-resins. Future work will focus on further refining the device’s capabilities, including standardization and automation, and exploring its applications in broader industrial settings.

Advisor: Ruiguo Yang

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