Polymer Morphology Analysis
Polymer Morphology Analysis - Related Videos
13:37
Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials
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Cited by 32 •
2012
A description of the formation of a polymer microarray using an on-chip photopolymerization technique. The high throughput surface characterization using atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and a cell attachment assay is also described.
02:34
Polymers
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2020
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
11:48
Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons
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Cited by 69 •
2011
Numerous recent studies have identified mutations in synaptic proteins associated with brain pathologies. Primary cultured cortical neurons offer great flexibility in examining the effects of these disease-associated proteins on dendritic spine morphology and motility.
03:54
Preparation of Bacterial Biofilm Colonies for Morphological Analysis
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2026
Source: Bucher, T., et. al., Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors. J. Vis. Exp.(2016)This video demonstrates the preparation of mature bacterial biofilm colonies for high-resolution imaging. It covers fixation, dehydration, mounting, and metal coating steps to preserve and visualize biofilm morphology.
07:41
Advanced Compositional Analysis of Nanoparticle-polymer Composites Using Direct Fluorescence Imaging
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Cited by 1 •
2016
Here we present a reliable method to monitor the incorporation of nanoparticles into a polymer host matrix via swell encapsulation. We show that the surface concentration of cadmium selenide quantum dots can be accurately visualized through cross-sectional fluorescence imaging.
FAQs
Crystallinity describes the extent of ordered molecular packing, while phase separation indicates the formation of distinct polymer-rich or compositionally different regions. Changes in either feature can modify mechanical strength, degradation behavior, transport, and biomolecule release. Measuring these structures helps researchers determine whether composition and processing produced the internal organization required for a scaffold, hydrogel, membrane, or delivery material.
The relevant features depend on the intended function, but commonly examined characteristics include crystallinity, domain size, porosity, surface roughness, and phase separation. Internal features can influence strength, degradation, and transport, whereas surface features can affect cell adhesion. Considering these measurements together provides a more useful structure-property assessment than relying on a single morphological characteristic.
Researchers compare morphology measurements with the polymer’s composition and processing conditions to identify structure-property relationships. For example, changes in processing or formulation may correspond to differences in crystallinity, domain size, porosity, or surface roughness. This comparison helps explain variations in mechanical behavior, degradation, transport, or release and supports more reproducible material design.
Each analytical approach can reveal a different aspect of polymer structure. Imaging can show surface or spatial features, scattering can characterize structural organization, thermal methods can help assess material transitions related to morphology, and spectroscopy can provide composition-related information. Combining these approaches gives a broader account of molecular arrangement, phase structure, and surface characteristics than one method alone.
A practical workflow begins by identifying the performance question, such as whether morphology may influence strength, degradation, transport, cell adhesion, or release. Researchers then select suitable imaging, scattering, thermal, or spectroscopic measurements, characterize features such as porosity or crystallinity, and compare the results with composition and processing conditions. The final step links observations to intended function.
The analysis is useful when researchers need to evaluate how a material’s structure supports a specific bioengineering role. In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, it can help assess whether scaffolds and hydrogels have suitable features for mechanical performance or cell interaction. For membranes and delivery materials, morphology measurements help examine transport and biomolecule release behavior.
Morphology measurements provide structural criteria for comparing batches, formulations, and processing conditions. Tracking features such as crystallinity, domain size, porosity, roughness, and phase separation can reveal structural differences that may otherwise appear only as changes in performance. This evidence helps guide material optimization and improves consistency in devices designed for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.