Across the histological spectrum of tissues, the interaction between cells and their extracellular environment is continually presented as a scientific gap in knowledge. Cellular transduction in many tissues is modulated by dynamic extracellular fluid shear stress (FSS) exposure. The study of FSS induced mechanotransduction is crucial for understanding the modulation of cell and tissue structure and function, and is a key addition to the continued advancement of in vitro culture systems.

 

The FSS streamer consists of a rectangular receptacle for a silicone gasket (McMaster-Carr, 8417K44) and a standard 24.5 x 76.2mm glass microscope slide. Centered within the receptacle a 5mm x 45mm x 1mm, microfluidic channel is continuous with threaded inlet and outlet ports for culture medium circulation (Cole-Parmer fittings and tubing: NPT 1/8” Valved Adapter, 06359-70; Hose Barb 1/8” Valved Insert, 06360-40; Masterflex L/S Pump Tubing, 06440-16). Optical clarity of the streamer was achieved via Formlabs Form 2 SLA clear photoreactive resin (RS-F2-GPCL-04).

 

Cultured slides are inverted onto the silicone gasket, and secured to the receptacle wall using binder clips to create an impermeable seal. Video microscopy and computer aided quantification can then be used to quantify cell strain under a variety of force and frequency durations via the examination of cellular deformation, or the change in cellular dimension divided by the original dimensions of the cell.