Gelatin hydrogels for rheometer

[marilli]

Hello, I am Marilli and I have a problem. :p
I am trying to acquire some suitable samples for the rheometer measurements of gelatin hydrogels. The hydrogels are chemically crosslinked with EDC but after the crosslinking they remain sticky and therefore not suitable samples can be punzed out. Has anyone an idea?

 

[Chestermiller]

What is punzed?

 

[Fervent Freyja]

This study also had a similar issue, this was their solution: " ...A uniform thin layer of silicone vacuum grease was applied to the outer circular edges of the shear discs to prevent water loss from the samples38."