Invention:
This invention is a means to apply controlled dynamic forces on a macroscale tissue scaffold along a period of cell-culture conditions that can range from minutes to weeks. This apparatus uses a mechanically compliant substrate, which can be made from various materials, that supports the attached tissue scaffold. The apparatus also contains a holder to attach the tissue scaffold and an actuator with controlled motion that stretches and compresses the tissues.
Background:
The use of porous 3D scaffolds provides a suitable environment for the generation of tissues and organs, allowing for advancements in biomedical research. Applications of tissue stretching scaffold technology include controlling cell orientation, growth, gene expression, lineage commitment, and differentiation, and for achieving successful tissue engineering of mechanically functional tissues, including cardiac, muscle, vasculature, ligament, tendon, bone, etc. There are various biomaterials that have been used to create scaffolds for this purpose. However, it is essential that cell culture tools can stimulate dynamic mechanical stimuli to cells or tissue constructs on compliant scaffolds because of the complex interactions between biomechanical and physical aspects of the molecular functions in the tissues and organs.
Applications:
- Stretch and compress tissues
- Assists in generation of tissues and organs
- Control cell orientation, growth, gene expression, lineage commitment, and differentiation
Advantages:
- Compatible with most sterilization techniques
- Compatible with various substrate materials
