Cells in physiological systems are constantly subjected to mechanical forces which affect myriad cellular functions and contribute to pathologies. Current devices to study cellular responses to strain in vitro have drawbacks including the inability to analyze cellular responses in “real-time”, non-uniform strains patterns, and limited operation time (<6 hr). To overcome these limitations, a novel stretch device was developed using four linear motors and a novel silicone culture well. The device is capable of cyclic stretching of cells biaxially up to 30% strain in either or both of two orthogonal axes at 0.01 to 1 Hz frequency for a minimum of 6 hr during “real-time” analysis of cells under a standard inverted microscope. This new system will facilitate controlled mechanobiology studies.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Lombardo, Joseph John
• Minn, Kyaw Thu
• Duoba, Brent Paul
• Rodriguez, Juan Carlos

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042512-150124

Advisor

• Billiar, Kristen
• Granquist-Fraser, Domhnull

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright