The mechanical environment surrounding cells has a critical impact on their behavior in 3D environments which more closely mimic in vivo conditions, yet methods for studying cellular response to stiffness changes in 3D are lacking. The goal of this project was to develop a system to mechanically modulate the boundary stiffness of 3D biopolymer gels populated with valvular interstitial cells. The stiffness of PDMS posts topped with stainless steel balls were actuated in real-time using magnets held above the posts at various distances. Cells cultured on these posts when held at a higher stiffness showed greater tensile forces than compliant posts. This system can contribute to research surrounding mechanobiology and cellular responses to abrupt changes in the mechanical environment.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Jarobski, Tara Ann
• Boulanger, Elisabeth Eileen
• Dempsey, Megan Elizabeth
• Lurier, Emily Beth

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042914-174538

Advisor

• Billiar, Kristen

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright