Design, Implementation, and Validation of a Piezoelectric Device to Study the Effects of Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation on Cell Proliferation, Migration and Morphology

Abstract

Cell functions and behavior are regulated not only by soluble (biochemical) signals but also by biophysical and mechanical cues within the cells’ microenvironment. Thanks to the dynamical and complex cell machinery, cells are genuine and effective mechanotransducers translating mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals, which eventually alter multiple aspects of their own homeostasis. Given the dominant and classic biochemical-based views to explain biological processes, it could be challenging to elucidate the key role that mechanical parameters such as vibration, frequency, and force play in biology. Gaining a better understanding of how mechanical stimuli (and their mechanical parameters associated) affect biological outcomes relies partially on the availability of experimental tools that may allow researchers to alter mechanically the cell’s microenvironment and observe cell responses. Here, we introduce a new device to study in vitro responses of cells to dynamic mechanical stimulation using a piezoelectric membrane. Using this device, we can flexibly change the parameters of the dynamic mechanical stimulation (frequency, amplitude, and duration of the stimuli), which increases the possibility to study the cell behavior under different mechanical excitations. We report on the design and implementation of such device and the characterization of its dynamic mechanical properties. By using this device, we have performed a preliminary study on the effect of dynamic mechanical stimulation in a cell monolayer of an epidermal cell line (HaCaT) studying the effects of 1 Hz and 80 Hz excitation frequencies (in the dynamic stimuli) on HaCaT cell migration, proliferation, and morphology. Our preliminary results indicate that the response of HaCaT is dependent on the frequency of stimulation. The device is economic, easily replicated in other laboratories and can support research for a better understanding of mechanisms mediating cellular mechanotransduction.

Real-Time Impedance Monitoring of Epithelial Cultures with Inkjet-Printed Interdigitated-Electrode Sensors

“…Our lab, for instance, has fabricated dermo-epidermal engineered skin using 3D bioprinting and tested them in vivo as dermis/epidermis substitutes in rat models [ 1 ]. We have also exploited screen printing to manufacture biocompatible humidity sensors [ 2 ] and developed organic-based actuators with printing-compatible materials to study the mechanical activation of biological processes [ 3 ]. Not surprisingly, our research has been gradually fueling the vision of a hybrid platform capable of fabricating these sensors, actuators and living skin tissues simultaneously.…”

“…Yet, they have lacked in the contemplation of the mechanical mismatch between the stiff silicon-based electronics and the fragile living cells. Standard electronic materials are several orders of magnitude stiffer than cells, which respond to the mechanical properties of the interfaced surfaces [ 3 , 14 ]. To overcome this major bundle and endow cells softer interfaces, significant effort has been directed towards using flexible low-cost substrates in the manufacturing of the sensing devices, which in turn, has deviated the fabrication methods from the standard clean-room facilities.…”

Effects of Schumann resonance on the proliferation and migration of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1

“…9 Another study found that the application of electromagnetic fields at 1 Hz enhances the migration of HaCaT cells, whereas 80-Hz fields decrease migration. 10 Thus, there is a F I G U R E 2 Effect of the application of 7.8-Hz electromagnetic waves on cell proliferation. The neutral red (NR) uptake during the application of 7.8-Hz electromagnetic waves increased 2.8-fold compared with the mean NR uptake of the untreated control.…”

Magneto‐responsive polydimethylsiloxane films with magnetic powder: Characterization and potential application in the tensile loading system

“…19 At present, most of available devices for stretching are actuated by pneumatic systems, 20,21 hydraulic systems, 22 or mechanical motors. 23,24 Magneto-deformation of magnetic elastomers can be used as a new design idea for tensile loading devices.…”

“…Because the magnetic interaction force between the magnetic particles and the magnetic field is transferred to the polymer matrix, inducing the stretching and bending deformation of magnetic elastomers 19 . At present, most of available devices for stretching are actuated by pneumatic systems, 20,21 hydraulic systems, 22 or mechanical motors 23,24 . Magneto‐deformation of magnetic elastomers can be used as a new design idea for tensile loading devices.…”