Smart Microsystems for Active Cell Culture, Growth and Gene Expression Toward Relevant Tissues

Abstract

Cells and tissues respond to several mechanical properties and mechanical stimuli of their extra cellular matrix and surrounding environment, as well as to gradients of them, including Young’s modulus, surface topography, hardness, presence of vibrations, among other external influences studied in the evolving field of cell mechanobiology. Interestingly, clear differences are perceived between cell culture processes carried out in static and dynamic conditions and even cell differentiation and fate can be controlled by means of such dynamic cultures. The use of fluid flows for the generation of dynamic culture conditions is common, as detailed in the chapters devoted to labs-on-chips and organs-on-chips. Here we focus on the use of mechanical vibrations for the promotion of dynamic cell culture processes and detail main challenges linked to producing such types of actuations upon devices with micrometric features. Issues linked to the design, modeling, manufacture and testing of microdevices for achieving resonant behaviors for dynamic cell cultures are detailed. The difficulties of using micro-resonators working at MHz frequencies, especially regarding experimental validation, are detailed and some proposals for successful results and further research are provided.