Printable low-cost, sustained and dynamic cell stretching apparatus.

Area of Science:

• Mechanobiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cellular responses to mechanical forces are crucial in physiology and disease.
• In vitro studies of mechanobiology often use cell cultures.
• Existing cell stretching devices can be expensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, printable cell stretching apparatus for in vitro mechanobiology research.
• To enable effective and accessible study of cellular responses to mechanical deformation.
• To provide a versatile platform for applying controlled tensile strains to cells.

Main Methods:

• 3D printing of apparatus components for rapid, low-cost manufacturing.
• Utilizing geared motors controlled by a microcontroller for automated stretching.
• Culturing NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts on elastic substrata.
• Applying sustained and cyclic radial stretching at large strains.
• Monitoring cell viability, adhesion, and morphology using fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful application of sustained and cyclic tensile strains.
• Confirmed maintenance of cell viability, adhesion, and morphology post-stretching.
• Validated the apparatus's functionality for mechanobiological studies.
• Achieved a production cost under $100 per unit.

Conclusions:

• The novel printable cell stretching apparatus is a cost-effective and versatile tool for mechanobiology research.
• The device facilitates the study of cellular responses to mechanical forces without compromising cell health.
• Its ease of use and low cost make it accessible for various research settings.