Supply of a uniaxial, biocompatible mechanical test device

Tender description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering develops synthetic experimental systems to assess the efficacy of medical devices and implants. Target applications involve studying the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The mechanical behaviour of solid tissue structures is of great importance to understand the mechanics of that system in health and disease. High-fidelity computational modelling frameworks already exist within the Department. This contract hopes to acquire hardware to enable robust mechanical characterisation measurements to be performed, to help provide input parameters and validation of such computational models. Expertise and hardware already exist for mechanical testing. However, this contract aims to purchase a dedicated biomaterials testing machine suitable for testing viscoelastic materials including tissue engineered structures (including living cells). The system must deliver environmental control, variable strain-rates and loading regimes (compression, tension, bending, shear) in one system with sensitivity and capability to measure low loads ~1N for tissue scaffold tests, as well as ~1kN for mechanical testing of bone (through simple changing of the load cell).A system that can also make use of our existing camera equipment, synchronising load-displacement outputs with camera equipment is highly desirable (GOM Aramis System and Photron Nova S6).Delivery will need to be to the Service Yard at Bay Campus, Swansea University, ideally by the 31st July 2022.NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. To obtain further information record your interest on Sell2Wales at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/search_switch.aspx?ID=120605 (WA Ref:120605)Relates to the following project/programme financed by EU Community Funds: The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is part of a suite of European Structural Funds provided to the UK Government and Devolved Administrations, which includes the Welsh Government. The primary aim is to strengthen the economy and bring about a fairer society in alignment with the Europe 2020 strategic approach to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The rationale underpinning programme objectives are set out in the UK Partnership Agreement, which sets out the relevant thematic objectives and investment priorities for the ESI funds in Wales. The IMPACT operation is funded under Priority 1, Research and Innovation, which aims to increase the capacity of Welsh Research Institutions. It is expected to contribute to SO1.1, to increase the success of Welsh research institutions in attracting competitive and private research funding.The IMPACT operation is funded under Priority 1, Research and Innovation, which aims to increase the capacity of Welsh Research Institutions. It is expected to contribute to SO1.1, to increase the success of Welsh research institutions in attracting competitive and private research funding.The buyer considers that this contract is suitable for consortia bidding.