Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for taking measurements of a material, including determining material anisotropy, are provided. According to one aspect, a method for determining tissue anisotropy comprises: applying, to a tissue sample, a first force having a direction and having a coronal plane normal to the direction of the force, the first force having an oval or other profile with long and short axes within the coronal plane, the long axis being oriented in a first direction within the coronal plane, and measuring a first displacement of the tissue; applying, to the tissue sample, a second force, and measuring a second displacement of the tissue; and calculating a tissue elasticity anisotropy based on the measured first and second displacements. Furthermore, by applying the first and second forces multiple times, tissue viscosity, elasticity, or other anisotropy may be calculated from the multiple displacement measurements.

Abstract: Provided are systems for analyzing cellular distribution in an engineered tissue sample, which optionally is a bioprinted organ or tissue sample. In some embodiments, the systems include an ultrasound imaging system and a processing unit configured with software that permits analysis of images acquired from the engineered tissue sample in order to output desired characteristics thereof. In some embodiments, the systems also include a bioreactor for engineering a tissue sample and a pump configured to regulate flow of fluids and reagents into and out of the bioreactor, wherein at least one surface of the bioreactor includes a window that is acoustically transparent to ultrasound waves. Also provided are systems for analyzing cell distribution in an engineered tissue sample and methods for analyzing distribution of cells in an engineered tissue sample present within a bioreactor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for taking measurements of a material, including determining material anisotropy, are provided. According to one aspect, a method for determining tissue anisotropy comprises: applying, to a tissue sample, a first force having a direction and having a coronal plane normal to the direction of the force, the first force having an oval or other profile with long and short axes within the coronal plane, the long axis being oriented in a first direction within the coronal plane, and measuring a first displacement of the tissue; applying, to the tissue sample, a second force, and measuring a second displacement of the tissue; and calculating a tissue elasticity anisotropy based on the measured first and second displacements. Furthermore, by applying the first and second forces multiple times, tissue viscosity, elasticity, or other anisotropy may be calculated from the multiple displacement measurements.