Fig. 1.

(a) Picture of an elastin sample enclosed in dialysis tubing and submerged in PEG solution. Sandpaper tabs were glued at the sides of sample with sutures looping around for mechanical testing. Four carbon dot markers were placed at the center of sample, and the position of the markers was traced by a camera during mechanical testing. (b) Schematic diagram of an elastin sample enclosed in dialysis tubing. An osmotic pressure between the inside and outside of the dialysis tubing causes water to leave the tissue.