Effect of shear stress magnitude on intracellular calcium expression in bone cells

An optically transparent micro cell chip consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel structure and cover glass was fabricated to examine the intracellular calcium responses of a single MG-63 cell (human osteoblast-like bone cell) to shear stress with various magnitudes. To supply stable mechanical stimulation to cells seeded on the micro channel structure, a computer-controlled pneumatic system was used to generate pressure-driven fluid flow in the micro channel. Its effectiveness was verified by comparing the measured flow rate of the working fluid induced by the syringe pump and the lab-designed pneumatic system. Intracellular calcium responses in cells were measured using a laser-scanning microscope under varying extracellular mechanical environments. Based on the temporal responses of the intracellular calcium expression, the cells had multiple peaks with a 154 ± 11 s average period. This period was maintained with respect to shear stress of various magnitudes from 0.61 to 2.86 Pa.

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► We fabricate an optically transparent micro cell chip.
► We use a lab-designed control system to supply stable shear stress to cells.
► We measure the temporal responses of the intracellular calcium expression.
► MG-63 Cells had multiple peaks to shear stress with various magnitudes.