Pneumatically actuated elastomeric device for simultaneous mechanobiological studies and live-cell fluorescent microscopy

In this study, we demonstrate the functionality and usability of a compact, pneumatically actuated, elastomeric stimulation device for mechanobiological studies. The soft mechatronic device enables high-resolution live-cell confocal fluorescent imaging during equiaxial stretching. Several single cells can be tracked and imaged repeatedly after stretching periods. For demonstration, we provide image based analysis of dynamic change of the cell body and the nucleus area and actin fiber orientation during mechanical stimulation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. Additionally, we present the characteristics of the device utilizing computational simulations and experimental validation using a particle tracking method for strain field analysis.