Table 1.
Summary of key characterization techniques commonly used to determine recyclability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility
| Characterization technique | Information obtained | Recyclability | Biodegradability | Biocompatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic mechanical (thermal) analysis (DMA/DMTA) | Determination of the complex modulus through application of a sinusoidal stress and measurement of strain | ✓ | — | — |
| Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) | Determination of molecular weight and dispersity of polymers | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) | Identification of small organic compounds through magnetic fields | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) | Detection of vibration characteristics of chemical functional groups | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Mass loss profile | Analysis of mass loss via an analytical balance over a specified period | — | ✓ | — |
| UV–vis spectroscopy | Analysis of the absorption or reflectance in the UV and visible ranges in which molecules undergo electronic transitions | — | ✓ | — |
| Scanning electron microscope (SEM) | Observation of surface topographical changes and composition by scanning with a focused beam of electrons | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Light/confocal/difference interference contrast (DIC) microscopy | Imaging of samples through the use of visible light, with increased optical resolution or contrast | — | — | ✓ |
| LIVE/DEAD cell viability assay | Determination of cell viability through fluorescent dyes to yield two‐color discrimination of live and dead cells | — | — | ✓ |
| Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) | Detection of the presence of a protein in a liquid sample using antibodies directed against the protein | — | — | ✓ |
| 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay | Colorimetric assessment of cell metabolic activity via enzymatic reduction of MTT dye to reflect the number of viable cells present | — | — | ✓ |