This device allows for the controlled compression of cell groups over time. By studying the applied force and aggregate geometry over time, much can be discovered about the cell-cell and cell-medium interfaces. It is also possible to study mixed cell aggregates to observe the effects of mechanical forces on cell rearrangement within the aggregate. The device is capable of measuring very small forces (~1µN) and can be mounted on most standard inverted or upright microscopes.

Chick heart cells (compressed):

Please contact us with your questions or to learn more about the Cell Aggregate Compression System.

References

1. Yang, J., Brodland, G.W. 2009. Estimating Interfacial Tension from the Shape Histories of Cells in Compressed Aggregates: A Computational Study. Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 37(5), 1019-1027.
   Link to Paper
   
2. Brodland, G.W., Yang, J., Sweny, J. 2009. HFSP Journal. In press.
3. Brodland, G.W. 2003. New information from cell aggregate compression tests and its implications for theories of cell sorting. Biorheology. 40, 273-277.
   Link to Paper