MicroSquisher Micro-Scale Compression System Example Application The interface tensions that exist play an important role in the organization of cells within aggregates. These properties can be determined by analyzing the force-time curve and test images from a parallel plate compression test. The MicroSquisher image analysis module quantifies the aggregate profile, allowing cellcell and cell-medium interface tensions to be calculated. MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY The MicroSquisher is designed to perform compression testing on specimens between 50 µm and 2 mm with force resolutions as small as 50 nN. Forces are determined from the deflection of a flexible cantilever beam to which one compression plate is attached. Displacement control is achieved by manipulating the base of that beam using a motorized piezo stage. The specimen can be tested in ambient air or in a temperature-controlled fluid bath. An integrated camera system allows synchronized imaging at up to 5Hz. glass plate Micro-Scale Material Characterization The MicroSquisher can be used to determine the compressive stress-strain properties of a variety of materials (hydrogel microspheres, small tissue samples, scaffolds and cell aggregates) with peak forces ranging from 1μN to 1mN. The device can perform displacementcontrolled compression and stress cell aggregate (250µm diameter) glass plate relaxation testing. CS-MICROSQUISHER Micro-Scale Compression System MechanoCulture ● Uniaxial, equibiaxial, or nonequibiaxial strains ● 0 - 15% strain ● User downloaded test protocol ● Monolayer cells on substrate or 3D constructs ● Autoclavable ● Affordable and expandable system ● VHS videocassette-sized units fit easily in standard incubator Mechanotransduction cell culture system Other Systems Available The MechanoCulture FX can uniaxially stretch 24 wells while capturing images on an inverted microscope. The sterile single-use silicone plates have a thin transparent bottom that has similar optical properties to a glass coverslip. MechanoCulture allows researchers to culture cells on a deformable substrate or as part of a 3D matrix to understand how mechanical environment affects cell differentiation, mitosis and signalling. button is used to initiate, pause and stop the test. An LED display indicates the state of the unit, including the number of cycles remaining in the original protocol. The base unit can be stopped and disconnected from its power source without losing track of its position in the protocol. The MechanoCulture T6 can uniaxially stretch up to 6 clamp-mounted specimens from 5-80mm in length. For stimulation in tendon, ligament, and bone tissue engineering work, it can deliver up to 250N of thrust. For cardiovascular research, the system can stimulate at up to 5Hz. Easy to use software The MechanoCulture software is used to specify test parameters. The test sequence can then be downloaded to the instrument. A run/pause CS-MECHANO-SYS CS-MECHANO-FX CS-MECHANO-T6 Strainable Substrate for Culturing Cells 24 Well Mechanical Stimulation for Culturing Cells 6 Channel Mechanical Stimulation for Tissues 15 UK: Tel: +44 (0)1462 424700 • wpiuk@wpi-europe.com World Precision Instruments www.wpiinc.com Germany: Tel: +49 (0)30-6188845 • wpide@wpi-europe.com US: Tel: 941-371-1003 • sales@wpiinc.com