axolotl BIOSYSTEMS axo User manual
AXOLOTL BIOSYSTEMS
Industry and Trade Limited Company
User Manual
Axolotl Biosystems is the producer of dierent products aimed for
researchers working in regenative medicine and tissue engineering.
AxoCell Stimulator is a biomaterial property testing system specifically designed for
researchers who work with 3D Bioprinted tissues. AxoCell Stimulator is a bioreactor that can
deform flexible membranes and 3D matrices in a sterile fluid environment.
Axolotl Biosystems focuses on providing the set of tools that makes regenative medicine and
tissue engineering research easier, faster and reliable. Our technologies and products
advance researchers in these fields and oer a set of plug & play devices.
2
CONTENTS
GENERAL
INFORMATION 1
GETTING
STARTED 2
3
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING
6 - 7
8 - 13
14 - 19
Product Map
Setting Up
Software Installation
Dismounting
Technical Specifications
General Safety Information
Electrical and Environmental Information
Maintenance
Warranty
Biomaterial Testing
Functions: Sine&Ramp
Test Blocks and Protocols
Loading Specimen to Device
Software Overview
Origin, Jog and Maximum Amplitudes
Setting Up & Running a Test
3
4
GENERAL
INFORMATION 1
GENERAL
INFORMATION 1
5
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
AxoCell Stimulator is a precision instrument developed for deforming bioprinted tissues,
flexible membranes and 3D matrices in a strerile flued environment. This device is capable
of uniaxial deformations on flexible cell-seeded substrates or scaolds. It has an onboard
actuator and control board to enable it to run independent of a computer in an
environment-controlled incubator.
Stimulation Uniaxial Tension
Cell Culture Area 6 strips up to 90mm
Maximum Strain >%100
Maximum Velocity 10mm/s
Maximum Cycle Frequency 5Hz
Loading Capacity 250N
Media Volume 100-385mL
Weight 3100gr
Cell-Contacting Components Autoclavable Materials
Product Construction Stainless Steel
Standalone Working Available
Connection USB
Workspace 80 mm
Dimensions 530x210x130 mm
GENERAL
INFORMATION 1
6
Electrical Input 12VDC
Current Rating 5 Amps
Electrical Supply Connection 100-240 VAC - Grounded
Pollution Degree Degree 2
Environment Conditions Maximum Operating Temperature 40ºC
0% - 100% Relative Humidity
Installation Category Category II
1.2 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
1.3 ELECTRICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
To meet the necessary standarts of safety, all personnel using the device must read the user
manual.
If you come up with any problems that is not addressed in the manual, reach out to Axolotl
Biosystems.
Please use the device according to the manual. Do not try to modify the parts.
Attention! The device must be used according to its purpose and should be
be used in an other way stated in this manual. Any modification to the parts
and wrong usage of the device will revoke warranty. Reach Axolotl
Biosystems about any problem you might have with your device.
Attention! AxoCell Stimulator has moving parts while working. Do not place
your hands inside the testing chamber during the testing procedure.
Attention! Make sure the electrical connections are done as stated in the
manual. All connections must be grounded. Electrical connections should
remain dry for safety.
GENERAL
INFORMATION 1
7
1.4 MAINTENANCE
The equipment does not require maintenance other than cleaning. All parts can
be cleaned with ethanol on the exterior. Testing Chamber, Pull Rod, and Clamps
can be sterilized with UV.
GETTING
STARTED 2
8
GETTING
STARTED 2
2.1 PRODUCT MAP
End Clamp
Specimen Clamp
Power Input
USB Cable
9
Power Button
Main Chamber
Rod Lock
Test Chamber
Tension Rod
Chamber Lock
End Lock
GETTING
STARTED 2
10
2.2 SETTING UP
To set up your product, use the power cable provided and plug the device using
Power Input socket.
2.3 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
AxoCell Stimulator Software enables you to control your device from your computer via
USB connection. To use your instrument, you have to install the software provided to you
in an email link or USB. Note that AxoCell Stimulator only works on its own software and
other softwares may cause your product to malfunction and cause damage out of
warranty.
Click on the setup software.
1
2
Install software. (For more information, Check out 2.3 Software Installation)
1
Start the device using power button.
3
Choose your setup language.
2
Choose the folder you wan to install
the software.
3
GETTING
STARTED 2
11
Click ‘Install’.
6
Wait fot installation to complete.
7
If you wish to create a desktop shortcut
you can choose ”Create a desktop
shortcut” option. Note that it is advised
for users to do so. After that, you can
click on “Next”
5
You can start the program when
installation is complete.
8
GETTING
STARTED 2
12
To sterilize and clean your device, you should follow steps below to dismount the device.
Remove the pin connecting the
rod to the main chamber.
3
Remove the pull rod.
4
2.2 DISMOUNTING
Remove the end locks.
1
Remove the end clamp from the
device.
2
GETTING
STARTED 2
13
Remove the chamber locks.
5
Remove the chamber.
6
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
14
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
3. BIOMATERIAL TESTING
15
3.1 FUNCTIONS: SINE
The sine function applies the displacement according to a sinusoid with the desired
displacement magnitude and duration.
3.1 FUNCTIONS: RAMP
The ramp function applies the displacement at a constant velocity.
Amplitude(mm): 2x Period(s): 4t Repetition Count: 1
x
-x
Position (mm)
Period
Amplitude
Time (s)
Stretch Recover
Amplitude(mm): 2x, Stretch(s): t, Hold(s): t, Recover(s): t, Rest(s): t, Repetition Count: 2
x
-x
Time(s)
Position (mm)
Period
Amplitude
Preload
Endload
Stretch
Hold
Recover
Rest
Phases
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
x
-x
Time(s)
Position(mm)
16
3.2 TEST BLOCKS AND PROTOCOLS
Phases of the Ramp Function
Stretching: During the stretch phase, a deformation is applied to the specimen.
Preload: Preload is the starting movement in the ramp function.
Endload: Endload is the last movement in the ramp function.
Note that blocks will always start and end in origin line.
Holding: The deformation can be held for a given duration.
Recovering: The recovery phase is the time during which the deformation imposed
during the stretching phase is removed.
Resting: Finally, the rest phase is the time between the end of one cycle and the
beginning of the next.
Block: Block is the repeating function on a protocol.
Protocol: Protocol is the array of test blocks.
Preload
Endload
Preload
Endload
Ramp Function 1
Repetition: 2
Ramp Function 2
Repetition: 1
Sine Block
Repetition: 1
Ramp Function
Block 2
Ramp Function
Block 1
Sine Function
Block
Protocol
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
17
3.3 LOADING SPECIMEN TO DEVICE
Specimen is the material that is being tested in AxoCell Stimulator.
To fit the specimen into the clamps, loosen bolts counterclockwise using the allen
key provided enough to fit the specimen into the claws. Do not remove the bolts.
If you have less than 6 specimens, position them close to the middle of the
chamber.
1
Fit the specimens into the claws and tighten the clamps using the same
accessories.
2
For each strip, fit the specimens for every 4 bolts, two in the end clamp and two in
the tension rod.
3
Be mindful of the jog so that tension rod has enough space to move without
clashing into end clamp and other end (More information given in 1.5 Origin, Jog
and Maximum Amplitude and Device Control - Jog).
4
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
Under “File Tab” you can find Open Protocol File
(Ctrl+O), which enables you to open a previous
saved protocol to run the test. Save Protocol File
(Ctrl+S) saves your file in .axo format. Clear Editor
(Ctrl+C) cleans the protocol and gives you a
blank protocol. You can exit the program with Exit
(Ctrl+E)
You can use Open icon on the left and Save icon
on the right under the upper tab.
File Tab
File Tab Protocol File Editor Device Control
3.4 SOFTWARE OVERVIEW
18
To add a sine block to your testing, use sine block icon
on the protocol file editor.
Note that velocity cannot be bigger than 10mm/s.
To add a ramp block to your testing, use ramp block
icon on the protocol file editor.
Note that velocity cannot be bigger than 10mm/s.
You can see the memory usage of the device and total
estimated time of the test is shown on the protocol file
editor tab.
Protocol File Editor is where you can add and
delete protocols and change the queue.
Sine Block: Adds a sine function block and opens the parameters tab.
Ramp Block: Adds a ramp function block and opens the parameters tab.
Delete Block: Deletes the selected block.
Moves the block up in queue.
Moves the block down queue.
Protocol File Editor
Adding Sine Block
Adding Ramp Block
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
19
BIOMATERIAL
TESTING 3
Shows the status of connection.
Dierence required for the testing process. More information is given
on Origin, Jog and Maximum Amplitudes.
Device Control is where you can upload, read and delete protocols and change the
queue.
Device Control
Protocol is the array of test
blocks. To create a protocol,
you can use protocol file
editor. You can also save the
protocol and load other
protocols to editor from your
PC. Each block of the protocol
is shown in the list as shown in
the example. You can make
changes for these blocks by
clicking the values.
Protocol
Connect Device: Connects selected device to software.
Upload Protocol: Uploads the protocol shown in the software to the device.
Read Protocol: Reads the protocol on the device.
Delete Protocol: Deletes the protocol on the device.
Home: Sends the test clamp to the starting point.
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