title: Design, fabrication and characterization of a pure uniaxial microloading system for biologic testing.
abstract: The field of mechanobiology aims to understand the role the mechanical environment plays in directing cell and tissue development, function and disease. The empirical aspect of the field requires the development of accurate, reproducible and reliable loading platforms that can apply microprecision mechanical load. In this study we designed, fabricated and characterized a pure uniaxial loading platform capable of testing small synthetic and organic specimens along a horizontal axis. The major motivation for platform development was in stimulating bone cells seeded on elastomeric substrates and soft tissue loading. The biological uses required the development of culturing fixtures and environmental chamber. The device utilizes commercial microactuators, load cells and a rail/carriage block system. Following fabrication, acceptable performance was verified by suture tensile testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, 302 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325-0302, United States. Electronic address: jdk31@zips.uakron.edu.
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, 302 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325-0302, United States. Electronic address: sly15@zips.uakron.edu.
authors.forename: Spencer L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: York
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, 302 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325-0302, United States. Electronic address: mms129@uakron.edu.
authors.forename: Marnie M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology; D004867:Equipment Design; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D016474:Weight-Bearing
keywords: Biologic sample loading; Biomedical testing; Device characterization; Mechanical loading device design; Mechanobiology