3D Printed Loading Device for Inducing Cellular Mechanotransduction via Matrix Deformation

This manuscript details the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of a 3D printed loading device for the investigation of cellular mechanotransduction pathways activated by matrix deformation. The device, which works as a screw jack, applies out-of-plane substrate distention to a thin polymer membrane via platen displacement. Load induces a strain gradient on the top surface of the membrane where cells are cultured. A high performance poly-lactic acid 3D filament was used for printing, resulting in a compact, cost-effective device that is fully autoclavable and compatible with standard laboratory incubators. The device was customized to accommodate a loadable polydimethylsiloxane chip developed in our lab for culturing MLO-Y4 osteocytes; however, the design can be easily adapted to load any mechanosensitive cells grown on an elastomeric membrane. Using finite element analysis, we demonstrated that the device can generate a range of strains to induce a variety of responses by the osteocytes. Cell viability data demonstrated that these ranges had the ability to engender load-induced apoptotic differences.