MicroSquisher Micro-Scale Compression System Cell Aggregate Compression The interface tensions that exist play an important role in the organization of cells within aggregates . These properties can be determined by analyzing the force-time curve and test images from a parallel plate compression test . M U SCLE PHYS IOLOGY glass plate The MicroSquisher is designed to perform compression testing on specimens between 50 µm and 2 mm with force resolutions as small as 50 nN . Forces are determined from the deflection of a flexible cantilever beam to which one compression plate is attached . Displacement control is achieved by manipulating the base of that beam using a motorized piezo stage . The specimen can be tested in ambient air or in a temperature-controlled fluid bath . An integrated camera system allows synchronized imaging at up to 5Hz . cell aggregate (250µm diameter) glass plate Micro-Scale Material Characterization The MicroSquisher can be used to determine the compressive stress-strain properties of a variety of materials (hydrogel microspheres, small tissue samples, scaffolds and cell aggregates) with peak forces ranging from 1µN to 1mN . The device can perform displacement-controlled compression and stress The MicroSquisher image analysis module quantifies the aggregate profile, allowing cellcell and cell-medium interface tensions to be calculated . MICROSQUISHER SPECIfICATIONS SPECIMEN SIZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50–2000 µM FORCE RESOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <0 .05 µN SAMPLING RATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up to 5 Hz relaxation testing . CS-MICROSQUISHER Micro-Scale Compression System MechanoCulture Mechanotransduction cell culture system l Uniaxial, equibiaxial, or nonequibiaxial strains l 0 - 15% strain l User downloaded test protocol l Monolayer cells on substrate or 3D constructs l Autoclavable l Affordable and expandable system l VHS videocassette-sized units fit easily in standard incubator Easy to use software The MechanoCulture software is used to specify test parameters . The test sequence can then be downloaded to the instrument . A run/ pause button is used to initiate, pause and stop the test . An LED display indicates the state of the unit, including the number of cycles remaining in the original protocol . The base unit can be stopped and disconnected from its power source without losing track of its position in the protocol . MECHANOCULTURE SPECIFICATIONS Sample Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35mm in diameter Maximum Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Hz Maximum Strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15% Maximum Sample Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2mm X-y Strain Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:0, 1:1, 2:1 MechanoCulture allows researchers to culture cells on a deformable substrate or as part of a 3D matrix to understand how mechanical environment affects cell differentiation, mitosis and signalling . CS-MECHANO-SYS World Precision Instruments Strainable Substrate for Culturing Cells UK: Tel: +44 (0)1462 424700 • wpiuk@wpi-europe.com www.wpiinc.com Germany: Tel: +49 (0)30-6188845 • wpide@wpi-europe.com US: Tel: 941-371-1003 • sales@wpiinc.com 11