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Dynamic osmotic loading of chondrocytes using a novel microfluidic device
P Grace Chao1, Zhongliang Tang, Elsa Angelini
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Journal of Biomechanics
|May 3, 2005
Summary
Cellular responses to osmotic changes depend on loading frequency. Articular chondrocytes showed greater volume changes at lower frequencies, indicating dynamic osmotic loading impacts cell volume regulation and mechanotransduction.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Cells respond differently to dynamic vs. static mechanical stimuli.
- Limited research exists on cellular responses to dynamic extracellular osmolality changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the cell size change response of articular chondrocytes to osmotic loading is frequency-dependent.
- To develop and utilize a novel microfluidic device for dynamic osmotic loading experiments.
Main Methods:
- Developed a microfluidic device for hydrostatic pressure-driven dynamic osmotic loading.
- Applied osmotic loads of +/-180 mOsm at frequencies up to 0.1 Hz.
- Monitored real-time cell volume and intracellular calcium responses in bovine articular chondrocytes.
Main Results:
- Articular chondrocytes exhibited increased volume changes with decreasing osmotic loading frequency.
- Cell volume responses to dynamic (0.0125 Hz) and static osmotic loading were significantly different.
- Intracellular calcium responses also varied between dynamic and static loading conditions.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of osmotic loading significantly influences chondrocyte volume and calcium responses.
- This novel approach provides insights into cell material properties under dynamic loading.
- Findings contribute to understanding cellular homeostasis and mechanotransduction mechanisms.