Cyclic uniaxial cell stretching in tissue culture using a LEGO®-based mechanical stretcher and a polydimethylsiloxane stretchable vessel

STAR Protoc. 2021 Apr 8;2(2):100437. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100437. eCollection 2021 Jun 18.

Abstract

Mechanical signals are essential for the regulation of many biological processes. Therefore, it has become paramount to account for these mechanical parameters when exploring biological processes. Here, we describe a protocol to apply cyclic uniaxial stretch on cells in culture using a LEGO®-based mechanical stretcher and a flexible custom-made polydimethylsiloxane culture vessel as well as validated downstream applications. While this system offers an out-of-the-box limited type of simulation, it provides a reliable and low-cost opportunity to perform cell stretching. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Boulter et al. (2020).

Keywords: Biophysics; Cell Biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Cell Culture Techniques* / methods
  • Cells, Cultured / cytology
  • Cells, Cultured / physiology
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemistry
  • Equipment Design
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Stress, Mechanical*
  • Tissue Culture Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Tissue Culture Techniques* / methods

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon