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A Versatile Automated Platform for Micro-scale Cell Stimulation Experiments
Published on: August 6, 2013
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MechanoBioTester: A Decoupled Multistimulus Cell Culture Device for Studying Complex Microenvironments In Vitro
Bryan D James1,2, Nicolas Montoya3, Josephine Allen1
1Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 100 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed the MechanoBioTester, a novel cell culture platform. This system allows for independent control of multiple mechanical stimuli to better mimic complex microenvironments for in vitro studies.
Area of Science:
- Mechanobiology
- Biomaterials Science
- In Vitro Cell Culture Models
Background:
- The cellular microenvironment significantly influences cell phenotype.
- Current in vitro cell culture systems inadequately replicate the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment, which involves biological, chemical, and mechanical factors.
- Existing devices often lack the capability to independently control and combine multiple mechanical stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel cell culture platform, the MechanoBioTester, for studying cellular responses to complex microenvironments in vitro.
- To enable the systematic interrogation of combined mechanical stimuli with independent control.
- To provide a versatile model for mechanobiology, biomaterial design, and drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Developed an engineered elastomeric chamber for incorporating various cell culture substrates (polydimethylsiloxane, polyacrylamide gel, poly(1,8-octanediol citrate) elastomer, type I collagen gel).
- Integrated a flow circuit and stretching device to apply independent mechanical stimuli: fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure.
- Validated the platform using experimental and computational methods to characterize its capabilities relevant to physiological conditions.
Main Results:
- The MechanoBioTester platform successfully accommodates diverse biomaterials for both 2D and 3D co-culture.
- Independent control over fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure was achieved.
- The system's capabilities were validated to be relevant to physiological microenvironments.
Conclusions:
- The MechanoBioTester provides a robust in vitro model for investigating the impact of complex microenvironments on cellular behavior.
- This platform facilitates advancements in mechanobiology research, biomaterial development, and drug discovery.
- The detailed protocol enables characterization, fabrication, and operation of the system for cell stimulation.
