Optics11 CHIARO NANOINDENTER, User Manual, Page: 34 / 65

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Also mechanical instability can originate from the
sample container or sample substrate contact with the
Piuma’s sample stage. In order to get the best
measurement possible, the complete ‘measure
ment
loop’, so everything between the probe ( Figure 27, item
1 ) and the Piuma’s sample stage base plate with the
sample container on top (Figure 27, item 2 ) should be
as stiff and stable as possible. This can be achieved by
ensuring a good and stable contact between the
sample substrate or container and the Piuma’s sample
stage, and by using stiff substrates and containers.
Plastic sample containers, such as petri-dishes, may be
used, but it is advised to check stability of the dish
when placing it on the sample stage: if the dish rocks
when pushing gently on the edge, it is unstable and an
alternative sample mounting is advised.
Laminar flow cabinet
The Piuma Nanoindenter can also be used inside a
laminar flow cabinet. For optimal stability, only put the
Piuma indenter head in the laminar flow cabinet on a
sturdy surface and set up the peripherals outside the flow cabinet. The Piuma indenter head can be
wiped with ethanol or iso-propyl alcohol to clean the instrument, however avoid spraying any liquids
or solvents directly on the Piuma indenter head. In case the noise of the flow cabinet is too
pronounced in the measurement, consider lowering or briefly switching off the airflow during the
measurement.
4.2 Sample stability
Additional to the environment, the sample itself can also introduce a measurement error.
Sample temperature and integrity
When attempting to measure samples that come fresh out of the incubator, use the stage heater to
adjust the Piuma’s sample stage to the same temperature. Alternati vely, when the heater is not
available, or if medium or samples come out of a refrigerator, let the sample temperature stabilize
to room temperature before initiating with the measurement.
Also the sample itself can have instable mechanical properties. Mostly this is caused by a particular
structure of the sample material: when measuring a highly heterogeneous sample, such as
decellularized ECM, porous scaffolds or 3D-printed structures, extra care should be taken in
Figure 27: Side-view of Piuma Nanoindenter.