Physiological Cell Stretcher
To Better Predict In Vivo Behavior
In vitro research has many advantages over in vivo research, such as (1) tighter control of chemical and physical environment, (2) cheaper and (3) faster, and (4) fewer animals needed.
However, isolated and cultivated primary cells differ from the corresponding cell type in an organism, limiting the value of in vitro data to predict in vivo behavior.
A major reason for this divergence is that in vitro experiments do not replicate the mechanical and electrical environment of cells in an organism.
BMSEED’s MEASSuRE is an integrated in vitro model for TBI, SCI, and other stretch/compression-induced injuries using stretchable multielectrode arrays.
Our team of experts...
Founder
Phone: +1 (609) 532-9744
Email: oliver@bmseed.com
What is a Physiological Cell Stretcher?
BMSEED's physiological cell stretcher, or MEASSuRE, was designed to address the inherent limitations of in vitro models. To better replicate in vivo conditions in an in vitro environment, MEASSuRE integrates:
Enhanced Stretching Mechanisms: MEASSuRE's physiological cell stretcher allows for precise and varied stretching profiles, closely mimicking the diverse mechanical forces experienced by cells in vivo. This includes the ability to simulate different types of mechanical stress, such as cyclic stretch and shear stress, which are crucial for studying dynamic biological processes.
Advanced Electrophysiological Integration: The integration of high-resolution electrophysiological recording capabilities allows for more detailed analysis of cellular responses to electrical stimulation. This includes the ability to capture subtle changes in cellular electrical activity and ion channel behavior, providing deeper insights into how cells interact with their electrical environment.
Real-Time Imaging: MEASSuRE can support imaging techniques such as optical and fluorescent imaging. This enhancement enables researchers to observe cellular behaviors and responses to physiological stretch real-time, allowing for comprehensive analysis of cellular and tissue-level phenomena under mechanical and electrical stimulation.
Data Acquisition & Analysis: MEASSuRE features data acquisition and analysis tools to facilitate high-throughput experimentation and real-time monitoring of experimental parameters, streamlining data collection and enabling more efficient analysis of complex datasets.
Improved Environmental Control: The MEASSuRE-Mini physiological cell stretcher can be used inside of an incubator, ensuring that cells are maintained under optimal conditions throughout short-term or chronic experiments. This includes precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and gas composition, all of which are critical for maintaining cell viability and experimental accuracy.
By incorporating these advancements, MEASSuRE not only enhances the fidelity of in vitro models but also expands their applicability across various fields of research. Whether used in tissue engineering, drug toxicity testing, or mechanobiology, MEASSuRE’s enhanced capabilities offer researchers a more powerful tool for bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies.
Applications of Physiological Cell Stretchers
Physiological Cell Stretchers for Tissue Engineering
Pluripotent stem cells that differentiate into specialized cells have properties that more closely resemble adult tissue when the cells are mechanically and electrically stimulated during the differentiation using BMSEED’s cell stretcher, MEASSuRE.
MEASSuRE provides electrical and mechanical stimulation in conjunction with optical or fluorescent imaging.
Image: hiPSC-CMs on BMSEED’s stretchable MEA, A. Patino Ph.D., Arizona State University
Physiological Cell Stretchers for Drug Toxicity Testing
The validity of in vitro drug toxicity testing is increased when cells are derived from humans (not animals) to closely represent in vivo cells of the respective organ. This can be achieved by differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into specialized cells under mechanical and electrical stimulation.
MEASSuRE can be used as a physiological cell stretcher that provides electrical and mechanical stimulation in conjunction with optical or fluorescent imaging.
Image: hi-PSCs on MEA using BMSEED’s electrophysiology module & temperature controller, A. Patino Ph.D., Arizona State University
Physiological Cell Stretchers for Mechanobiology
Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology play a crucial role in understanding the numerous mechanisms for transducing and sensing mechanical forces in neurons and other cell types, including those involved in cancer mechanobiology and cellular mechanobiology.
MEASSuRE can be used a physiological cell stretcher to understand the effect of mechanical forces on cell behavior.
Image: neurons on BMSEED’s stretchwell, A. Palmieri B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology
The MEASSuRE-Mini stand-alone cell stretcher.
The MEASSuRE-Mini reproduces physiological cell stretch for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, organ-on-a-chip, pre-clinical drug development, mechanobiology, and more. Long-term cell culture can be achieved by placing the MEASSuRE-Mini stand-alone stretcher in an incubator.
The MEASSuRE-Mini placed in an incubator for long-term, physiological cell stretching.
Our team of experts...
Founder
Phone: +1 (609) 532-9744
Email: oliver@bmseed.com
Frequently Asked Questions About our Physiological Cell Stretcher
1. What advantages does in vitro research offer compared to in vivo research?
In vitro research offers several key advantages over in vivo studies:
Tighter Control: Researchers can precisely control the chemical and physical environment surrounding the cells or tissue, such as pH, temperature, and nutrient levels, which can be challenging in living organisms.
Cost-Effective: In vitro studies are generally less expensive than in vivo experiments due to the lower costs associated with maintaining cell cultures compared to animal models.
Speed: Experiments can be conducted more rapidly in vitro, allowing for quicker data collection and analysis, high-throughput testing, and rapid iteration of experimental designs.
Ethical Considerations: In vitro research is a more humane alternative to animal testing. Reducing the number of animals used in research takes into account animal welfare, moral status, and intrinsic rights, while potentially increasing scientific validity with more accurate models.
These benefits make in vitro research an attractive option for early-stage research and development.
2. How does the physiological cell stretcher address the limitations of in vitro models?
BMSEED’s physiological cell stretcher, or MEASSuRE, is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional in vitro models by integrating mechanical and electrical stimulation into the cell culture environment. MEASSuRE addresses these limitations by:
Replicating Mechanical Forces: BMSEED’s stretchable microelectrode arrays (sMEAs) are used in conjunction with MEASSuRE to simulate the physiological conditions that cells experience in vitro. This includes the stretching and compression of cells in the body, which is simulated with the physiological cell stretcher by applying controlled mechanical stresses to cells.
Providing Electrical Stimulation: BMSEED’s sMEAs feature integrated microelectrodes that deliver electrical stimulation to cells or tissue in vitro, replicating the electrical impulses that cellular activities in vivo.
Comprehensive Modeling: By combining mechanical stretching with electrophysiological and imaging capabilities, MEASSuRE offers a more accurate simulation of the in vivo conditions, improving the predictive value of in vitro data. This capability is particularly valuable in studying complex processes like tissue engineering, drug toxicity testing, and mechanobiology.
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BMSEED’s physiological cell stretcher, or MEASSuRE, is designed to support long-term cell culture studies by providing a stable and controlled environment where cells can be maintained and observed over extended periods. The MEASSuRE-Mini cell stretcher can be used in an incubator while simulating the physiological mechanical and electrical stimuli that cells experience in vivo for prolonged experiments. This is crucial for studies that require monitoring of cell behavior, differentiation, or response to treatments over days or weeks, enhancing the quality and relevance of long-term research.
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The MEASSuRE-Mini is the more compact version of the MEASSuRE system, designed for more physiological cell stretching compared to the pathological cell stretching capabilities of the MEASSuRE-Premium and MEASSuRE-X. The MEASSuRE-Mini is ideal for studies in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, organ-on-a-chip systems, and pre-clinical drug development. One of the key features of the MEASSuRE-Mini is its ability to be placed in an incubator, allowing for long-term cell culture and physiological cell stretching under controlled conditions. Additionally, the integration of mechanical and electrical stimulation with advanced imaging techniques enables researchers to monitor cellular responses in real-time. This makes it a versatile tool for exploring the effects of dynamic environmental factors on cell behavior in a more physiologically relevant context.
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BMSEED’s physiological cell stretcher, or MEASSuRE, is designed to be compatible with a wide range of research technologies, making it a versatile addition to any laboratory. It can be integrated with optical and fluorescent imaging systems, allowing for real-time observation of cellular responses to mechanical and electrical stimuli. Additionally, the system supports the use of stretchable or rigid multielectrode arrays (sMEAs or MEAs) for electrophysiological studies, enabling the monitoring of electrical activity in cells and tissues. The MEASSuRE system’s modular design also allows for customization, making it adaptable to specific researchers’ needs.