Soft robotic constrictor for in vitro modeling of dynamic tissue compression

Here we present a microengineered soft-robotic in vitro platform developed by integrating a pneumatically regulated novel elastomeric actuator with primary culture of human cells. This system is capable of generating dynamic bending motion akin to the constriction of tubular organs that can exert co...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2021-08, Vol.11 (1), p.16478-16478, Article 16478
Main Authors: Paek, Jungwook, Song, Joseph W., Ban, Ehsan, Morimitsu, Yuma, Osuji, Chinedum O., Shenoy, Vivek B., Huh, Dan Dongeun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
631/1647/277
631/61/2035
639/166/985
Cell culture
Compression
Cytology
Elastomers
Endothelial cells
Fibroblasts
Humanities and Social Sciences
Microenvironments
multidisciplinary
Physiology
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Smooth muscle
Solid tumors
Tissue engineering
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Here we present a microengineered soft-robotic in vitro platform developed by integrating a pneumatically regulated novel elastomeric actuator with primary culture of human cells. This system is capable of generating dynamic bending motion akin to the constriction of tubular organs that can exert controlled compressive forces on cultured living cells. Using this platform, we demonstrate cyclic compression of primary human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells to show physiological changes in their morphology due to applied forces. Moreover, we present mechanically actuatable organotypic models to examine the effects of compressive forces on three-dimensional multicellular constructs designed to emulate complex tissues such as solid tumors and vascular networks. Our work provides a preliminary demonstration of how soft-robotics technology can be leveraged for in vitro modeling of complex physiological tissue microenvironment, and may enable the development of new research tools for mechanobiology and related areas.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-94769-2