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Authors & Affiliations
Şölen Kumbay Yildiz, Nilüfer Boustanabadimaralan Düz, Samet Akar, Harun Artuner, Pervin Rukiye Dinçer, Ismail Uyanik
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation serves as a cornerstone in elucidating cellular responses and driving advancements in tissue engineering. In this study, we present an innovative approach to cell stretching through the development of a cost-effective device, meticulously crafted in the laboratory setting. Unlike conventional devices, our system incorporates soft stretchable sensors directly embedded into the membranes, revolutionizing the measurement of applied strain and significantly enhancing control over mechanical stimulation protocols. A critical aspect of our methodology involves the assessment of strain uniformity across membranes prior to experimentation. Through the utilization of image processing techniques, we meticulously analyze the distribution of strain, ensuring consistent and reproducible mechanical stimulation conditions. This rigorous quality control step is instrumental in maintaining experimental integrity and reliability. Furthermore, our device incorporates a feedback control loop, aimed at achieving precise adjustment of strain levels in real-time. While this closed-loop control phase represents an ongoing area of development, initial results showcase promising progress towards dynamic monitoring and adaptation to changes in mechanical stimuli. This iterative approach holds potential for optimizing experimental conditions and enhancing the accuracy of cell stretching experiments. Beyond its immediate applications in cell stretching experiments, our integrated approach holds promise for a wide range of research endeavors. From investigating mechanotransduction phenomena to exploring tissue biomechanics, our device offers researchers a versatile and cost-effective platform to delve deeper into the complexities of cellular mechanobiology.