Facilitates Cell Behavior Study Using a Range of Controllable Mechanical Forces
This bioreactor system can subject cells to independently-controlled amounts of fluid flow, pressure, and other variable forces, permitting in-vitro study of the cellular responses to multiple mechanical stimuli. Bioreactors are manufactured devices used in cell culture and tissue creation; applying chemical and mechanical stimuli allows lab researchers to guide cell structure, organization, and function. However, available bioreactor devices are costly, complex, and typically not user-friendly. Most bioreactors cannot test multiple conditions on a single device, highlighting a need for a low-cost, accessible, and high-throughput system.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a bioreactor system that stimulates cells through a combination of mechanical forces. A collection of sensors allows for real-time, automatic adjustments of the stimuli experienced by the cell cultured in the device, permitting researchers to study the effects of mechanical forces on cellular systems.
Application
Automated bioreactor system that applies a range of variable mechanical forces for cell culture study
Advantages
- Allows user control of a wide range of conditions such as shear stress, stretching, and stiffness facilitating study of mechanical forces on cells
- Contains a sensing and automation system, performing real-time adjustments of multiple stimuli
- Has much lower cost and is more adaptable than available bioreactor systems, offering a throughput substitute for mechanical cell stimulation
Technology
A silicone chamber, flow circuit, support structure, control system, and multi-channel peristaltic pump form the bioreactor system. The chamber connects to a linear actuator that strains the chamber and pulls each end in unison. A bi-directional lead screw synchronizes the linear actuator’s pulling. 3D natural or synthetic hydrogels fill a specific region intended for cell culture, decoupling its properties from the chamber’s overall material properties. The chamber design facilitates the application of mechanical stimuli on cells cultured in the device. A collection of sensors also allows real-time adjustment of the device’s peristaltic pump and actuators to vary a range of mechanical forces.
Brochure
