Create sophisticated multi-modal stimulation patterns

As an example, custom-built microfluidic chips connected to Fluigent instruments enable either the creation of homogeneous stretching (1) or compressions (4) or more sophisticated stimulation patterns (2 and 3). (Paggi and al., 2020) Here, a PDMS membrane can be actuated by three independently pressurized chambers and a variety of programmable deflection patterns can be applied. Thus, various cell stimulation modalities can easily be created by tuning the pressure applied in the different chambers.

This platform has been originally developed to reproduce mechanical stimulations of the cartilage (Paggi et al., 2020, 2022). However, this is a highly versatile system of great interest to model other types of tissues, which also experience complex mechanical actuation patterns in vivo.

Using a custom-built chip coupled to Fluigent Push-Pull  pressure controllers which provide excellent pressure control, immediate switching time response and offers a user-friendly and programmable interface, apply accurately a variety of mechanical forces on hydrogel imbedded cells.