"Material-as-Machine" Smart Cell Culture Platform Based on Shape Memory Polynorbornene

Cell culture platforms (CCPs) are essential tools for elucidating how mechanical stimulation governs cell fates. Conventional CCPs feature multimodule integration of power module, control module, loading module, etc., making CCPs structurally complex, expensive, and space-intensive. This work proposes a new actuation paradigm leveraging the smart properties of shape memory polynorbornene (PNB): "Material-as-Machine" Smart Cell Culture Platform (MM-SCCP). Specifically, the MM-SCCP is composed of an actuation area (AA) and a cell culture area (CA). The programmed PNB is used as AA to replace traditional electromechanical actuation system. When activated at 37 °C, AA experiences shape recovery and produces recovery stress, actuating CA to stretch and thus applying strain stimulation to the cells thereon. This approach capitalizes on the exceptional mechanical properties of PNB (tensile modulus: 1038.2 MPa), outstanding shape memory properties (shape fixity: 99.6%, shape recovery: 99.2%), and high energy density (up to 6.2 MJ/m³, at least twice the reported values near 37 °C). The PNB-based AA can actuate common polymer substrates (polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane) to experience controllable tensile strain. The tensile strain is sufficient to regulate cell orientation and aspect ratio, confirming the feasibility and universality of this PNB-based MM-SCCP. The design concept of MM-SCCP provides a brand-new approach to the smartification, miniaturization, and cost reduction of CCPs.