Bone cell mechanotransduction involves the process by which bone cells sense and coordinate their activity in response to mechanical loading. Classic mechanotransduction models include the parallel plate flow and cone viscometer systems. These systems apply fluid flow to bone cells to study the effects of fluid shear on cellular activity. In this study a microactuated loading device to subject bone cells to a complex state of deformation utilizing a deformable membrane was developed. To model the loading profile, finite element analysis was utilized with material properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) determined from mechanical testing to model a cell substrate and loading platen to apply accurate, reproducible and physiologically appropriate loading.
Listed In: Biomechanical Engineering