Magnetically actuated cellular strain assessment tool; a study on the strain induced directional migration of human endothelial cells

Mechanical stimuli play an important role in various cellular processes. Current equipments used for the study of cell response to stresses and strains are not all compatible with existing lab cell culture facilities. This work demonstrates for the first time that miniaturized devices can be used in combination with off-the-shelf equipment to study cell responses under mechanical strain. Cells cultured on magnetically actuated silicon-elastomer membranes subject to cyclic stretching align transverse to the direction of applied strain. Cells subject to 6% cyclic tensile strain at 1 Hz show an 8 fold increase in migration rate and a preferential migration direction transverse to the direction of applied strain.