Cell stretching device with nanofiber mats for mechanobiology
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Cell Stretching Devices with Nanofiber Mats for Mechanobiology
Introduction to Mechanobiology and Cell Stretching Devices
Mechanobiology is a field that explores how cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli in their environment. This process, known as mechanotransduction, involves converting mechanical signals into biochemical responses, which can influence various cellular functions and behaviors. To study these phenomena, researchers have developed various cell stretching devices that apply mechanical forces to cells, mimicking the conditions they experience in vivo.
Nanofiber Mats in Cell Stretching Devices
Hybrid Nanofibrous Scaffolds
One innovative approach involves using hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds grafted with gelatin-functionalized polystyrene microspheres. These scaffolds are designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and provide a more biologically relevant environment for cells. When fibroblast cells are subjected to mechanical stress on these scaffolds, they exhibit increased traction forces and changes in cytoskeletal dynamics, which can be quantified using advanced microscopy techniques1. This setup allows for a detailed analysis of how mechanical cues influence cellular behavior and gene expression related to focal adhesion and ECM proteins.
3D Printed Microscaffolds
Another approach utilizes 3D printed composite microscaffolds made from stimuli-responsive hydrogels. These scaffolds can stretch single cells in a controlled 3D environment, allowing researchers to study cellular responses at the single-cell level. The scaffolds use reversible host-guest interactions to apply equibiaxial stretch, leading to significant changes in cell traction forces and cytoskeletal remodeling6. This method provides a dynamic and reversible way to study mechanobiology in a 3D context.
Advanced Cell Stretching Devices
The IsoStretcher
The IsoStretcher is an isotropic cell stretch system that applies radial displacement to small circular silicone membranes, providing a uniform stretch to cells. This device is particularly useful for studying mechanosensitive pathways in living cells, such as stretch-activated calcium entry in atrial myocytes2. The system's design allows for simultaneous live-cell microscopy, making it a versatile tool for mechanobiology research.
Uniaxial and Biaxial Stretching Devices
Several devices focus on uniaxial or biaxial stretching to study cellular responses. For instance, a 3D printed uniaxial cell stretcher can be used for both static and cyclic stretching, allowing for microscopic and biochemical analyses of mechanotransduction3. Similarly, a pneumatic unidirectional cell stretching device provides uniaxial strain and is compatible with standard bioanalytical methods, making it suitable for studying cardiomyocytes8. These devices enable researchers to apply precise mechanical forces and observe the resulting cellular changes in real-time.
Low-Cost and Printable Stretching Apparatus
To make mechanobiology research more accessible, a low-cost, printable cell stretching apparatus has been developed. This device can apply both sustained and dynamic cyclic strains to cells cultured on elastic substrata. It is designed to be easily manufactured and controlled, making it a practical option for many research labs10. This apparatus demonstrates that cost-effective solutions can still provide valuable insights into cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.
Conclusion
Cell stretching devices, particularly those incorporating nanofiber mats and advanced fabrication techniques, are crucial tools in mechanobiology. They allow researchers to study how cells respond to mechanical forces in environments that closely mimic in vivo conditions. These devices not only enhance our understanding of cellular mechanotransduction but also have potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. By continuing to innovate and improve these tools, researchers can uncover new insights into the fundamental processes that govern cellular behavior.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fabrication of Nanofibrous Scaffold Grafted with Gelatin Functionalized Polystyrene Microspheres for Manifesting Nanomechanical Cues of Stretch Stimulated Fibroblast.
A hybrid nanofibrous scaffold grafted with gelatin functionalized polystyrene microspheres effectively assesses fibroblast cells' mechanobiology in response to stretch cycles, providing insights into focal adhesion protein sequestration and cellular cytoskeletal dynamics.
The IsoStretcher: An isotropic cell stretch device to study mechanical biosensor pathways in living cells.
The IsoStretcher is a versatile tool for studying mechanical biosensor pathways in living cells, enabling biaxial or multiaxial stretch and simultaneous live-cell microscopy analysis.
Design of a 3D printed, motorized, uniaxial cell stretcher for microscopic and biochemical analysis of mechanotransduction
The 3D printed uniaxial cell stretcher is an affordable, customizable tool for studying cell responses to mechanical cues, aiding in mechanobiological research.
Stretch in Focus: 2D Inplane Cell Stretch Systems for Studies of Cardiac Mechano-Signaling
Sudden isotropic stretch of cardiomyocytes can trigger arrhythmic Ca2+ transients on a single cell level, highlighting the importance of stretch technologies in cellular mechanotransduction.
Uniaxial Cyclic Cell Stretching Device for Accelerating Cellular Studies
This new uniaxial cell stretching device enables efficient cellular studies within 30 minutes, reducing stretching time and increasing overall efficiency in mechanobiology research.
Mechanical stimulation of single cells by reversible host-guest interactions in 3D microscaffolds
Stimuli-responsive microscaffolds can stretch single cells, allowing them to adjust to new dynamic set points and highlighting the importance of functional myosin motors in cellular tensional homeostasis.
A soft, stretchable and conductive biointerface for cell mechanobiology
This novel biointerface allows cell mechanical stimulation and dynamic impedance recording, enabling non-invasive cell mechanobiology studies.
Pneumatic unidirectional cell stretching device for mechanobiological studies of cardiomyocytes
The transparent mechanical stimulation device allows for uniaxial stimulation of cardiomyocytes, allowing for continuous investigation of cell state during stretching experiments.
Pneumatic cell stretching system for cardiac differentiation and culture.
The pneumatic cell stretching device effectively induces cardiac differentiation in human pluripotent stem cells, offering a new tool for studying cellular properties and stress-induced cardiac diseases.
Printable low-cost, sustained and dynamic cell stretching apparatus.
Our low-cost, printable cell stretching apparatus maintains cell viability, adhesion, and morphology while applying tensile strains to cells cultured on elastic substrates.
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