High-throughput tissue mechanics testing apparatus in an incubator environment: the prototype

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The main goal of this proposal is to develop a device to perform long term tissue incubation with agents, mediators or cells that have the potential to alter the mechanical phenotype of tissues, while intermittently measuring the mechanical properties of these tissues. We have previously developed a multi-unit and modular proof of concept device in collaboration with Ontario based Aurora Scientific, which we aim to advance to a fully functional prototype, using our extensive experience in tissue mechanics and tissue culture research. This device will bridge the existing gap between long term cell culture and short term whole tissue studies by taking the best of both fields: maintaining the phenotype of the tissue, while allowing studies on the time dependent effects of a wide range of mediators and drugs that might alter its mechanics. Targeted at contractile tissues but appropriate for any soft materials, this tool will have both fundamental and biomedical applications. Current setups measure only single muscle tissues at great expense and effort and do not allow for in-place incubation of the tissue with agents, drugs, and mediators. Our proposed system places high throughput tissue measurement equipment (4 strips) inside a custom-built incubator. We greatly reduce the cost of this otherwise $200k+ system by combining all control and signal conditioning into a single device while time-sharing control of individual tissues. The whole system will be fully automated to allow for high throughput, highly repeatable testing, over multiple days. This NSERC CRD proposal will result in the development of a functioning prototype in a collaboration between Ontario based Aurora Scientific and McGill University.This unique device will push fundamental tissue research and drug discovery into a new era due to its high throughput advantage. Our collaboration with a committed Canadian industrial partner and connections with Canadian muscle mechanics laboratories will contribute to Canada's continued leadership in muscle research. Finally, this proposal will contribute to the training of HQP (Masters student and Research Associate) by exposing them to the industry and different research fields (tissue and fluid mechanics, systems control, etc.).