Microfabricated tissue gauges to measure and manipulate forces from 3D microtissues.

ABSTRACT: Physical forces generated by cells drive morphologic changes during development and can feedback to regulate cellular phenotypes. Because these phenomena typically occur within a 3-dimensional (3D) matrix in vivo, we used microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to generate arrays of microtissues consisting of cells encapsulated within 3D micropatterned matrices. Microcantilevers were used to simultaneously constrain the remodeling of a collagen gel and to report forces generated during this process. By concurrently measuring forces and observing matrix remodeling at cellular length scales, we report an initial correlation and later decoupling between cellular contractile forces and changes in tissue morphology. Independently varying the mechanical stiffness of the cantilevers and

SUBMITTER: Legant WR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2700905 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature