Cellular strain assessment tool (CSAT): Precision-controlled cyclic uniaxial tensile loading

The development of a multi-sample strain device and elastomeric culture wells designed to systematically assess strain effects on cell cultures is presented in this report. This device enables one to precisely conduct experimental analyses in sterile conditions while delivering cyclic uniaxial tensile strain. The input to the computer interface allows one to alter variables of frequency, duration, and amplitude of strain. The influence of strain on the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultured on 2D polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces was examined to verify the utility of this system.