Brillouin Spectroscopy: A Non-Invasive Method for Assessing the Viscoelastic Properties of Biologically Relevant Polymers

Abstract

Research of biocompatible polymers is critical for advancing biomedical technologies, particularly in the fields of tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cardiovascular health. This study investigates the mechanical properties of a series of novel biocompatible polymers using Brillouin microspectroscopy. We demonstrate the ability of Brillouin spectroscopy to accurately measure mechanical properties of these polymers on a microscopic level, which are vital for their application and can be finely tuned to match the requirements. Our findings suggest that Brillouin microspectroscopy, coupled with Raman spectroscopy, offers a powerful complementary approach to traditional viscoelasticity measurement techniques, paving the way for enhanced characterization and utilization of biocompatible polymers in medical research and clinical practice. This in turn would help streamline production and control of these polymers in a non-invasive and label-free way.