Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is an integral part of cell homeostasis. The interaction of the extracellular matrix with the mechanical stress plays an important role in cytoskeleton organisation and cell alignment. Insights from the response can be utilised to develop cell culture methods that achieve predefined cell patterns, which are critical for tissue remodelling and cell therapy. We report the working principle, design, simulation, and characterisation of a novel electromagnetic cell stretching platform based on the double-sided axial stretching approach. The device is capable of introducing a cyclic and static strain pattern on a cell culture. The platform was tested with fibroblasts. The experimental results are consistent with the previously reported cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell reorientation induced by strain. Our observations suggest that the cell orientation is highly influenced by external mechanical cues. Cells reorganise their cytoskeletons to avoid external strain and to maintain intact extracellular matrix arrangements.
Highlights
The cells in a functioning multicellular system are continuously exposed to various mechanical forces
Fibroblasts continually perceive external mechanical stimuli, which subsequently lead to the production and remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components
This paper presents a novel cell stretching platform with a double-sided uniaxial magnetically actuated stretching approach to introduce both homogeneous cyclic and static strain onto the cell culture
Summary
The cells in a functioning multicellular system are continuously exposed to various mechanical forces. Numerous studies have reported that, under cyclic or static strain, fibroblast cells synthesise the ECM protein [8]. Fibroblasts anchor their actin cytoskeleton with ECM by linkage proteins called integrins. The ECM-integrin-cytoskeleton integration plays a vital role in the functional and structural adaptation of cell in response to mechanical cues [9]. These mechanical signals are transmitted to the cytoskeleton by the formation of an ECM-actin cytoskeleton linkage. This complex system promotes the assembly of focal adhesion and thereby induces the reconstruction of the actin cytoskeleton that is necessary for cell stiffening, gripping, and adherence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
