End-Effector for Cell Volumetric Stimulation

Mechanobiology is a new field in the biological sciences aimed at studying the effects of mechanical stimulation on various cellular processes, such as metabolism, differentiation or proliferation. The present device and method of manufacturing the same is an end-effector for volumetric stimulation of cells, comprising an air-inflatable end-effector coupled to an actuator system. The device, which is designed for in vitro and ex vivo mechanobiology experiments, is compatible with most laboratory glassware or plastics, and is therefore compatible with medium- and high-processivity drug and biological molecule screening.

Stem structure and deformable membrane biocompatible, hydrophobic and sterilisable in ethanol or autoclave.
Neo-Hookean membrane material (a) ensures cell adhesion and survival; (b) maintains its elastic properties even in the humid environment of cell incubators; and (c) transparency allows visualisation of cells under a fluorescence microscope.
Compatible with currently used cell culture plates and adaptable to standard laboratory techniques and methods.
Attachment of the device to the top lid protects cells from contamination and allows gas exchange.
Actuation system connected to the end-effector via tubing that relocates the electronic component out of the incubator and prevents contamination of cells by oxides released from the humid incubator environment.

The end-effector comprises a cylindrical rod-like structure terminating in a deformable membrane, whereby both the rod and the membrane are made of dual-component silicone rubber. The actuation system consists of an air transmission system located within the stem structure and comprises a microcontroller connected via a tubing system to mechanical, electronic and/or hydraulic components configured to measure and control relevant physical parameters. An air chamber, located between the air transmission system and the deformable membrane, allows controlled variation of the air pressure and volume of the deformable membrane.
The end effector can be attached to the plastic lid of common cell culture plates, including 24- and 96-well plates, and in this case a plurality of devices can be used simultaneously. The cells are seeded directly onto the deformable membrane and immersed in the culture medium for the mechanical stimulation test.

In vitro mechanobiology experiments.
Mechanobiology.
Ex vivo mechanobiology experiments.

Patent publication number:
WO2024038103 (2024-02-22)