The Challenge of Measuring Viscoelastic Properties of Human Whole Saliva to Fit Clinical Purpose

• To understand the protective functions of saliva secreted from different glands in the masticatory process, it is of interest to study its viscoelastic properties. Characterization of saliva samples are not that easily performed in a clinical setting, since most of the experimental techniques and instruments available are developed for research purposes. The aim of this study was to characterize how the viscoelastic properties of saliva can be measured and monitored using two laboratory instruments. Unstimulated whole saliva from 11 healthy volunteers was characterized using two instruments, an ARES-G2 rheometer and a Bohlin Oscillating Cup Rheometer. Measurements performed on unstimulated human whole saliva showed that the ARES rheometer will in linear viscoelastic conditions of the sample give absolute viscoelastic numbers of undisturbed saliva whilst the BOCR can be used to give an indication of gel strength, gel formation, and gel stability in viscoelastic samples being sheared in their non-linear viscoelastic region by introducing a Saliva Gel Strength Index, SGSI. Both methods clearly illustrate the presence of viscoelastic properties in saliva.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

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