Invitation to tender for a nanoindenter instrument that is useful in mechnobiology and suitable in the biological workflow

The Tenderer is requested to submit a tender for an fully operational nanoindenter. The instrument will be used for precise measurements to local mechanical properties of cells, biomaterials, 3D in vitro models, and biopsy tissue samples. The common tests that the instrument shall function for include indentation testing, mapping mechanical properties with scanning capacities and dynamic mechanical analysis. The indentation testing is functional both in air and in liquid medium environment. The most common materials to be tested is cells, cell organoids, hydrogel biomaterials, tissue mimic and biopsy samples. The nanoindenter is expecte to carry out reliable and accurate indentations measurements ( e.g., force sensing and indentation-depth control) to determine the local mechanical properties, e.g., reduced Young’s modulus, viscoelasciticty, and more. The automation of the nanoindenter is critical perspective to allow high-throughput measurements in a biological workflow to comprehensively investigate the mechanobiology. In addition to accuracy. the ease-of-use of the instrument operation (instrument calibration and instructive perspectives in softwares) is also important. Usage environment The instrument will be installed in Biocity building, Tykistökatu 6, 20520 Turku, Turku, by the Tender. The instrument will be placed on a vibration free table and the additional table area needed for computer and parts of the instrument not requiring vibration damping must be given in the tender. Standard laboratory connections are available.

The procurement process can be terminated for a justified reason at any stage before the final contract. The contracting authority is not responsible for the costs nor any possible damage caused to the Tenderer. No compensation will be payable to Tenderers for preparing a tender, presenting it or otherwise taking part in the procedure.