title: A multi-station dynamic-culture force monitor system to study cell mechanobiology.
abstract: To study mechanobiological responses of cells, a dynamic-culture force monitor (D-CFM) system has been developed. The D-CFM extends our previous work to measure contractile forces of a cell-populated collagen gel (CPCG) using a cantilever beam with semiconductor strain gauges. Linear actuators are used in the system and are computer controlled using a LabVIEW interface to independently apply precise motion waveforms to multiple CPCGs. The feasibility tests showed that the new system can detect the differences in force patterns resulting from different motion waveforms imparted to the CPCG. This new system will facilitate the study of the effects of dynamic mechanical loading on cells, remodeling of extracellular matrix, and cell-matrix interactions in vitro.
authors.affiliation: Mechanobiology Laboratory, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, E1641 Biomedical Science Tower, 210 Lothrop Street, PO Box 71199, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Katherin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Peperzak
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: James H-C
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D009038:Motion; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology; D014159:Transducers; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*