Design and characterization of a dynamic vibrational culture system.

ABSTRACT: To engineer a functional vocal fold tissue, the mechanical environment of the native tissue needs to be emulated in vitro. We have created a dynamic culture system capable of generating vibratory stimulations at human phonation frequencies. The novel device is composed of a function generator, a power amplifier, an enclosed loudspeaker and a circumferentially-anchored silicone membrane. The vibration signals are translated to the membrane aerodynamically by the oscillating air pressure underneath. The vibration profiles detected on the membrane were symmetrical relative to the centre of the membrane as well as the resting position over the range of frequencies (60-300 Hz) and amplitudes tested (1-30 µm). The oscillatory motion of the membrane gave rise to two orthogonal, in-plane strain co

SUBMITTER: Farran AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4076702 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature