The MicroSquisher is designed to test specimens that are 50 µm to 2 mm in size, to achieve force resolutions as small as 50 nN and to collect high-quality images of the specimen during the test. Whether tested in ambient air or in a temperature-controlled fluid bath, the specimen can be compressed at rates as high as 30 µm/second. Typical applications include tissue samples, microcapsules, cell aggregates and hydrogel microspheres.

Fig. 1 – The MicroSquisher loads the specimen between a parallel plate and a fixed anvil, and reports forces as a function of either deflection or time.

(a) (b) Fig. 2 – Compressed microsphere. (a) shows microsphere in initial state and (b) shows compressed state.

(a) (b) Fig. 3 – Compressed aggregate of embryonic Zebrafish cells.  (a) shows the uncompressed aggregate positioned between the lower platen and the upper platen. (b) shows the compressed aggregate with a graphical overlay generated by the image analysis module.

Fig. 4 – The MicroSquisher Click on the image to see a larger version.

Please contact us if you have questions or would like more information about the MicroSquisher.

References

1. Brodland, G.W., Yang, J., Sweny, J. 2009. Cellular interfacial and surface tensions determined from aggregate compression tests using a finite element method. HFSP Journal. 3(4), 273-281.
   Link to Paper