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100 years ago, in 1925, surgeon 𝐇. 𝐒. 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫 published a remarkable paper titled “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴.” At a time when surgeons barely dared to touch the heart, Souttar quite literally did just that. What’s striking is not only the bravery of the procedure, but the way the heart was already being understood as a 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦. Long before imaging, pressure catheters, or computational models, Souttar described how the mechanics of stenosis and regurgitation could be 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭. By inserting a finger into the beating heart through the auricular appendage, he gained insights no murmur or auscultation could provide. When his finger briefly blocked the stenosed mitral orifice, blood pressure fell to zero: a direct, visceral demonstration of flow obstruction. That moment made something clear to him: “𝘛𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.” This was “digital” biomechanics, long before the term meant sensors, data, or simulations. Just a surgeon, a beating heart, and a profound realization: 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞. Today, at  FIBER LABS , we no longer need to put a finger inside the heart to understand it, but the principle is exactly the same. We study 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬, 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 to uncover how cardiovascular structures function, fail, and respond to treatment.  From tactile intuition to advanced cardiovascular biomechanical testing, the journey spans 100 years and it continues to shape the future of cardiovascular research at  FIBER LABS . With thanks to Dr. Tom Treasure for highlighting this; more fascinating insights can be found in his book The Heart Club.

Published in Acta Biomaterialia (1 October 2025) Paulien Vandemaele, Heleen Fehervary , Lauranne Maes , Bart Depreitere , Jos Vander Sloten , Nele Famaey Abstract The cranial meninges are crucial structures in protecting the brain against injury. Hence, a biofidelic mechanical representation of these tissues is essential for accurate computational predictions of stress and strain in the brain during a traumatic brain injury. This study presents a biomechanical analysis of human pia-arachnoid complex tissue, which is formed by the two innermost meningeal layers. Bulge inflation experiments were performed on 29 pia-arachnoid complex samples to investigate their in-plane mechanical properties and parameters of the modified one-term Ogden model were derived with the virtual fields method. Due to its anatomical structure, pia-arachnoid complex tissue has an inhomogeneous thickness with a median value of 0.400mm. A bivariate normal probability density function was identified for the log-transformed parameters obtained from different specimens and samples with mean values 0.30MPa and alpha=36.97. Results show that the mechanical behavior of pia-arachnoid complex tissue is highly nonlinear in contrast to the linear elastic models often implemented in state-of-the-art finite element head models. Since the pia-arachnoid complex tissue is closely wrapped around the brain, it is important to include a more realistic mechanical behavior into these models. Paulien Vandemaele, Heleen Fehervary, Lauranne Maes, Bart Depreitere, Jos Vander Sloten, Nele Famaey, Biomechanical characterization of the human pia-arachnoid complex using bulge inflation testing and the virtual fields method , Acta Biomaterialia , 2025,ISSN 1742-7061, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2025.09.035 .

Join us in Udine, Italy, for an advanced hands-on course hosted by CISM – International Centre for Mechanical Sciences : Image-based Mechanics: an Overview of Experimental and Numerical Approaches . 🎓 As part of this collective course organized by Julien Réthoré  and José Xavier , FIBER LABS’ Director Nele Famaey will contribute with six in-depth lectures on: Characterization & parameter fitting of uniaxial, biaxial, compression and bulge inflation experiments Image-based geometry & deformation analysis, including digital image correlation and the virtual fields method Micro-CT based multiscale modelling You’ll gain insights into the latest experimental and numerical techniques in image-based mechanics and learn practical strategies to improve your own research and applications. 📅 Deadline to register: September 23, 2025 🔗 Register here: https://cism.it/en/activities/courses/C2516/ Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts and connect with peers in the field of (bio)mechanical sciences!

Last week, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming some of our youngest and most curious future researchers to the FIBER LABS! Together with our lab experts, they rolled up their sleeves to investigate how to fix Filiberke's broken leg. With wide eyes, little hands, and big imaginations, they explored the wonders of biomechanics in action. The laughter, questions, and excitement in the room left no doubt—thanks to these budding scientists, the future of biomechanics is brighter than ever!

Stop by our booth and take a moment to discuss with us our expertise in biomechanical testing of biomaterials and medical devices.

Heleen Fehervary , Research Manager at FIBER LABS, recently presented our comprehensive services and special access program for academic researchers to the ESB community ( ESB Congress ).

Join us at the KU Leuven Core Facility for Biomechanical Experiments as part of the celebration of 600 years of innovation and discovery! Embark on a fascinating journey through the human body with us. Discover how mechanical stress plays a pivotal role in various diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, arterial ruptures, and certain neurodegenerative conditions. Explore how we use different types of mechanical tests to map out the properties of biological tissues like bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and brain tissue. Learn how this vital information helps us better understand disease processes and develop improved prosthetic materials. On Saturday the 15th of February and Sunday the 16th of February, we will demonstrate how these tissue properties are used to create virtual patient models, enabling new prosthetics or interventions to be tested first "in silico" (i.e., on the computer) before any real-world trials on animals or patients. Come see how science and engineering come together to transform healthcare at this special event!

This past weekend, FIBER LABS proudly took part in KU Leuven’s 600-year anniversary celebrations by hosting a two-day open lab tour. Visitors of all ages had the chance to explore the fascinating world of biomechanics, uncovering the science behind movement, bone strength, and medical implants. From observing joint motion to testing the mechanical properties of bone and implants, guests got a hands-on experience of the cutting-edge research that shapes modern healthcare. They explored the intricate microstructure of bone, learned how blood flows through the body, and discovered what happens when things go wrong—and how science can help. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited our lab, bringing curiosity and enthusiasm. This curiosity has been a driving force throughout KU Leuven’s 600-year history, and we are proud to continue that tradition into the future.

The meat alternatives market is sizzling, with projections estimating it will soar to $16.13 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.78% (Fortune Business Insights, 2024). As consumers increasingly seek sustainable, healthy, and ethical food options, fungi-based and plant-based meat alternatives are stealing the spotlight. The Rise of Fungi-Based Meat Alternatives Fungi-based meat alternatives are emerging as a superstar in the world of sustainable proteins. Unlike traditional plant-based options like soy, peas, or wheat gluten, fungi-based meats can be cultivated from nutrient-rich food waste, such as soybean skin or brewers’ spent grain. This not only makes them more nutritious - packed with protein, iron, and amino acids - but also significantly reduces their environmental footprint. According to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (2022), substituting just 20% of beef with microbial protein (a fungi-based alternative) by 2050 could halve deforestation, addressing critical climate change concerns. Startups are already capitalizing on this trend, using mycelium - the root-like structure of fungi - to create products that mimic the taste and texture of real meat. This innovation aligns with consumer demand for eco-friendly and ethical food choices, making fungi-based meats a prime focus for R&D departments aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Texture: The Secret Sauce for Consumer Satisfaction When it comes to meat alternatives, taste is only half the story. Texture - the way a product feels when you bite into it - is what often determines whether consumers keep coming back. FIBER LABS’ research on fungi-based steak, published in a recent study, dives deep into this critical aspect. Using advanced techniques like multi-axial mechanical testing  and rheology , the team uncovered that fungi-based steak has a unique texture profile, characterized by anisotropic, rate-dependent stiffness . In simpler terms, it behaves differently depending on how you chew it, closely mimicking the complex mouthfeel of real meat. Sensory surveys conducted as part of the study revealed that consumers perceive fungi-based steak as more moist, viscous, and fibrous  than both animal and plant-based meats. This is a big deal for R&D teams, as texture is a key driver of consumer satisfaction. By applying FIBER LABS’ texture profile analysis , companies can fine-tune their products - whether fungi-based or plant-based - to deliver the chewiness, juiciness, and fibrousness that consumers crave, ultimately boosting sales and brand loyalty. Image with courtesy of https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742706125004805 Why Texture Matters Consumer Expectations : Shoppers want meat alternatives that feel authentic, not just taste good. Repeat Purchases : A satisfying texture encourages consumers to buy again, driving sales. Market Differentiation : In a crowded market, texture can set your product apart from competitors. Market Leadership Through Texture Innovation The meat alternatives market is fiercely competitive, with supermarkets playing a pivotal role in its growth. Retailers like JD.com are planning dedicated plant-based grocery spaces, reflecting the mainstream adoption of these products (Mordor Intelligence, 2025). To stand out on these shelves, companies must go beyond taste and focus on texture as a key differentiator. The global meat substitutes market is projected to grow from $7.24 billion in 2024 to $16.13 billion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024). Meanwhile, the mycoprotein segment alone is expected to reach nearly $1 billion by 2032 (Future Market Insights, 2023). This growth is driven by flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan consumers who prioritize health, sustainability, and ethics. By leveraging FIBER LABS’ biomechanical expertise, companies can develop products that not only meet these demands but also exceed expectations, positioning them as market leaders. Collaborating with FIBER LABS for Next-Level Product Development For R&D teams in the meat-replacement industry, partnering with FIBER LABS is a no-brainer. Our state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary expertise - spanning biomechanics, food science, and sensory analysis - offer a unique opportunity to elevate product development. FIBER LABS' tools, such as texture profile analysis  and multi-axial testing , provide detailed insights into how ingredients behave under different conditions, enabling precise adjustments to achieve the perfect texture. Whether you’re developing a fungi-based steak, a plant-based burger, or a hybrid product, FIBER LABS can help you: Optimize Texture : Ensure your product delivers the mouthfeel consumers love. Accelerate Innovation : Use data-driven insights to streamline your R&D process. Gain a Competitive Edge : Create products that stand out in supermarkets and appeal to health-conscious and eco-aware consumers. Ready to revolutionize your meat alternative products? Visit FIBER-LABS.com to explore collaboration opportunities and take your R&D to the next level.

At FIBER LABS , we proudly serve as KU Leuven’s Core Facility for Biomechanical Experimentation, delivering cutting-edge solutions for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers. Located at KU Leuven, a global leader in research and education ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide, FIBER LABS combines state-of-the-art technology with expert support to drive innovation in biomechanics. Our Mission FIBER LABS’s mission is to promote, provide, and innovate high-quality biomechanical testing to support the development of biomaterials, medical devices, therapies, and digital twins. By fostering advancements in these fields, we aim to contribute to improving tomorrow’s quality of life. Since our establishment in 2017, following a significant Hercules grant in 2016, we have grown into a trusted partner, handling over 3000 samples worldwide each year. Why Partner with FIBER LABS? Our comprehensive services are designed to meet the diverse needs of academic and industrial clients. Here’s what sets us apart: Tailored Testing Protocols : We develop customized testing approaches to ensure accurate and reliable results, addressing the unique requirements of your research or product development. Access to High-Quality Samples : Through our collaborations with KU Leuven’s University Hospital and other research centers, we provide access to premium human and animal samples, ensuring robust experimental outcomes. Precise Mechanical Testing : Our state-of-the-art equipment, including planar biaxial testers and dynamic testing devices, allows for precise evaluation of material performance, adhering to ISO and ASTM standards where applicable. Advanced Microstructural Imaging and Modeling : Gain deeper insights into material mechanics and microstructure through our sophisticated imaging and in silico simulation capabilities, enabling optimized performance and reliability. Clear, Data-Driven Reports : Receive comprehensive, evidence-based reports that empower informed decision-making and support your research or product development goals. Comprehensive Services FIBER LABS offers a wide range of biomechanical testing and consultancy services, including: Mechanical Testing : Quantify the mechanical properties of biological tissues, medical implants, and prostheses through tensile, compression, torsion, flexural, shear, indentation, quasi-static, dynamic, fatigue, and creep testing. Protocol Development and Validation : Benefit from expert guidance in designing and validating testing methodologies tailored to your specific needs. Consultancy and Training : Our experienced team provides hands-on device training, R&D consultancy, and project management to streamline your research process. Specialized Simulations : From aorta simulations to brain indentation and bone resonance testing, we offer advanced in silico experiments to complement physical testing. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge devices, which supports a variety of uniaxial and biaxial tests to characterize soft tissue anisotropy. We also maintain a controlled testing environment to minimize contamination risks, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance. Why KU Leuven? As a Core Facility at KU Leuven, FIBER LABS benefits from the university’s international reputation for innovative research and education. KU Leuven’s multidisciplinary environment, coupled with our ISO-aligned processes, ensures that every project meets the highest standards of precision, reliability, and compliance. Let’s Collaborate Whether you’re developing next-generation medical devices, conducting tissue engineering research, or exploring biomechanical properties, FIBER LABS is your trusted partner for success. Our dedicated team of engineers and researchers is ready to support your projects with tailored solutions and unparalleled expertise. 📧 Contact us : FIBEr@kuleuven.be 📞 Call us : +32 16 32 30 18 🌐 Learn more about KU Leuven : https://www.kuleuven.be/

We are thrilled to announce that Professor  Nele Famaey , one of the driving forces behind FIBEr as a  KU Leuven  Core Facility, has been awarded the '𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚' award by the  KVAB - Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts ! 🎉 This award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Academy, recognizing young, promising researchers for their exceptional scientific approach. Nele has been celebrated in the category of Technical Sciences, a testament to her work and dedication to advancing knowledge in biomechanical research and paving the way for future advancements in the field. Needless to say, at FIBEr, we are incredibly proud to see Nele's contributions recognized at such a high level. Congratulations, Nele, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏 Your dedication to science is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

In medical device development, understanding the biomechanics of biological tissues is essential to ensure that the final product functions safely and effectively. Biomechanics involves the study of the mechanical properties of tissues like bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Proper testing and analysis of these tissues, along with the materials used in medical devices, are crucial for creating devices that can withstand the stresses placed on them in the human body. The role of biomechanics in medical device design Biomechanics bridges engineering principles with biological systems. For medical devices, this means understanding the mechanical properties of the tissue a device is designed to replace or interact with. For example, if a device is intended to replace a bone, knowing the bone's mechanical properties is vital for predicting how the device will perform in real-world conditions. Testing biological tissues under various loading conditions allows engineers to design medical devices that are both functional and durable. Bone structure and properties Bone is a complex composite material made up of both solid and fluid phases. The solid phase provides structural integrity, while the fluid phase, primarily water, helps in maintaining flexibility and resilience. Bone tissues can be categorized into cortical (compact) bone  and cancellous (spongy) bone , each exhibiting distinct mechanical properties. Cortical bone is dense and forms the outer layer of bones. It has a higher Modulus of Elasticity, which helps it resist bending and twisting forces. Cancellous bone, in contrast, is more porous and less dense, providing the ability to absorb and store energy. The varying structures of cortical and cancellous bones affect their response to mechanical loads such as compression, tension, and shear. Understanding the mechanical behavior of bone Bones exhibit different mechanical behaviors depending on factors like age, sex, and health. Additionally, the direction of applied force influences the bone's response. The stress-strain curve  is often used to assess how bones react to applied forces. Initially, bone behaves elastically, meaning it returns to its original shape once the load is removed. However, once the yield point is surpassed, bones begin to undergo plastic deformation, which can lead to fracture. Testing bone materials also involves understanding time-dependent behavior such as creep  and stress relaxation . Creep refers to the slow elongation of a material under a constant load, while stress relaxation measures the decrease in stress when a material is held at a constant strain. Key biomechanical tests for medical devices Several tests are employed to evaluate the biomechanical properties of both biological tissues and medical devices: Creep and recovery tests : These tests involve applying a constant load to a material for a set period and then removing it to observe how the material recovers. This is important for understanding the long-term behavior of medical implants under sustained stress. Stress relaxation tests : Here, a material is strained to a specific point, and the stress response is measured while the strain remains constant. This test helps in understanding how materials behave when they are stretched and held in place. Dynamic testing : This involves applying oscillatory forces to the material to measure its strain response. Dynamic tests help assess the material's ability to withstand varying forces over time, simulating real-life conditions. In addition to these tests, the phenomenon of hysteresis  — where the loading and unloading curves differ due to energy loss (often through friction) — can also be examined during dynamic mechanical testing. Material considerations for medical devices The choice of materials used in medical devices depends on their mechanical properties, such as Elastic Modulus , yield strength , and elongation to failure . Different materials are chosen for specific applications: Metals and alloys : These materials are often used in load-bearing devices, such as hip and knee implants, because they have high strength and durability. However, metals may require surface treatments to prevent adverse reactions with surrounding tissues. Ceramics : Known for their excellent compressive strength, ceramics are commonly used in dental implants. However, their poor tensile properties limit their use in applications requiring flexibility or resistance to bending forces. Polymers : These materials offer flexibility in terms of shape and controlled degradation rates, making them suitable for a range of applications. Polymers, however, may experience wear and fatigue under repeated loading, and careful selection is needed to ensure they meet the necessary biomechanical requirements. Standards and regulations for biomechanical testing In the EU, medical device testing adheres to rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies to ensure safety and performance. Manufacturers must ensure that their devices meet specific biomechanical criteria based on the intended use. This includes conducting extensive mechanical testing to demonstrate that the device can withstand the forces it will encounter in the body. Predefined ISO standards outline testing requirements for materials used in medical devices, including tests for mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and long-term durability. By following these standards, manufacturers can ensure their devices are safe, effective, and ready for clinical use. Conclusion Biomechanical testing is a critical part of medical device development, ensuring that implants and other devices can mimic the properties of natural tissues and withstand the stresses they will encounter in the human body. With advancements in testing methodologies and material science, designers can develop devices that provide better outcomes for patients while meeting stringent regulatory standards in the EU. Interested how FIBEr can help? Contact us!