CellScale MechanoCulture TM User manual

MechanoCulture TM
Mechanical Stimulation System
User Manual
version 1.1

MechanoCulture TM User Manual
CellScale is an industry leader in biomaterial and mechanobiology
test systems.
Our mechanical test systems are specifically designed for characterizing the
material properties of biomaterials. With integrated features such as image
capture and analysis, media chambers, and a range of gripping mechanisms, our
biaxial and micro-scale compression test systems are capable of generating high
quality test data from day one.
Our mechanobiology technologies help advance research by providing insights
into the response of cells to mechanical stimulation. CellScale has systems
optimized for high-throughput, real-time imaging, and 3D scaffold use. In addition
to our standard products, CellScale can also develop a custom solution for your
application.
Our products are used by researchers around the globe to study everything from
tissue strength and stiffness to cellular response. Please visit our website for more
information and a list of publications. Also, please contact us to find out how our
test systems can help you.
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the copyright holder. For permission, contact CellScale Biomaterials Testing at
[email protected].
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MechanoCulture TM User Manual
Table of Contents
1. General Information................................................................................................................. 1
Environmental and Electrical Specifications................................................................................ 1
System Assembly......................................................................................................................... 1
Connections to Supply................................................................................................................. 1
Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................... 1
Manual Operating Controls.......................................................................................................... 1
General Maintenance................................................................................................................... 1
Approvals and Certification.......................................................................................................... 1
2. Components Overview............................................................................................................. 2
3. Testing Terminology ................................................................................................................ 3
Multiphase Test Cycles................................................................................................................ 3
Phases, Cycles, and Test Sequences......................................................................................... 3
Test Phases: The Smallest Unit of Testing.................................................................................. 4
Control Functions......................................................................................................................... 4
4. Software Overview................................................................................................................... 5
Step 1: Initiate a Test Sequence.................................................................................................. 5
Step 2: Modify Testing Parameters (optional) ............................................................................. 6
Step 3: Program a Device with the Specified Test Sequence..................................................... 6
Well Plate Pre-Stretch, Device Reset Movement, and Offset Distance ...................................... 7
Offset and Jog Functions............................................................................................................. 8
5. Designing Test Sequences...................................................................................................... 9
Example 1: Continuous Cycling for Fixed Duration and then Stop.............................................. 9
Example 2: Pre-stretch a Single Time, Then Cycle for a Fixed Duration, and Then Stop ........ 11
Example 3: Intermittent Stretching............................................................................................. 13
6. Setting Up & Running a Test ................................................................................................. 14
Overview.................................................................................................................................... 14
Attach the Sterilized Membrane to the Test Device................................................................... 14
Plug in Control Box Power. Connect Control Box and Test System ........................................ 14
Program the Device (if needed)................................................................................................. 14
Reset the system (hold down the button for 5 seconds)............................................................ 14
Add Cell Media and Cells. Culture to Develop Adhesion ......................................................... 14
Execute Test.............................................................................................................................. 14
7. Advanced Parameters ........................................................................................................... 15
8. Appendix A: Updating the Firmware...................................................................................... 16
9. Appendix B: Software Installation.......................................................................................... 17

MechanoCulture TM User Manual
10. Appendix C: System Assembly.............................................................................................. 22

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1
1.General Information
The MechanoCulture TM is a precision instrument specifically designed for deforming flexible
membranes in a sterile fluid environment. The device has an onboard actuator and a detached
control board to enable it to run independently of a computer in an environment-controlled
incubator.
Environmental and Electrical Specifications
Electrical Input
24VDC
Current Rating
1.2 Amp
Environmental
Conditions
Maximum Operating Temperature
40ºC
0% - 100% Relative Humidity
Installation Category
Category II
Pollution Degree
Degree 2
Data Connections
mini USB for programming
3.5mm TRRS Connection Cable to
run actuator
System Assembly
The unit requires some initial assembly as well as some assembly/disassembly required between
uses. See Appendix C for assembly instructions.
Connections to Supply
Connect power cord into properly grounded 100-240VAC power source to ensure safe operation.
The mains supply voltage fluctuations should not exceed 10% of the nominal supply voltage.
Safety Warnings
This equipment must be used in accordance with the procedures outlined in this manual to
prevent injury and/or damage.
The unit should not be operated without the motor housing in place.
Manual Operating Controls
There is one push-button switch on the front of the control unit. A single push will start and stop
the test sequence. A push and hold for 5 seconds will advance the actuator and reset the test
sequence to the beginning
General Maintenance
The equipment does not require maintenance other than cleaning. Please see the components
overview section for cleaning and sterilization details.
Approvals and Certification
This product conforms to EN61010-1:2001 and EN61326-1.

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2.Components Overview
Power Input Port
3.5mm TRRS
Cable Jack
Start/Stop/Reset Button
Control Box
Mini USB
Port

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3.Testing Terminology
Multiphase Test Cycles
In order to properly mechanically stimulate/signal cells, it is often necessary to apply more than
one load magnitude or frequency during the course of the test.
Phases, Cycles, and Test Sequences
As the following diagram demonstrates, each application and release of the well plate is called a
test cycle. The same test cycle can be repeated multiple times to achieve a certain goal. This is
called a test set. Finally, a test sequence is made up of multiple test sets.
The above example describes the following:
•The entire diagram presents a full test sequence.
•Within that sequence, there are two test sets.
•Within the first set, two identical test cycles are implemented.
•Finally, the second set is made up of three cycles.

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Test Phases: The Smallest Unit of Testing
The test phase is the smallest unit of the test specification. There are four phases within a cycle.
Each phase serves a specific purpose:
Stretching - During the stretch phase, a
deformation is applied to the specimen.
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.
Control Functions
The MechanoCulture makes it possible to stimulate specimens under two control functions:
The ramp function applies the displacement at a constant velocity.
The sine function applies the displacement according to a sinusoid with the desired
displacement magnitude and duration.

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4.Software Overview
The MechanoCulture software is used to program the device with the phases, cycles, and sets
that comprise the test sequence. The screen layout is shown below:
Test
Parameters
Message
Window
Step 1: Initiate a Test Sequence
Test sequences can be initiated in 3 different ways:
1. A predefined test sequence can be opened from a MechanoCulture Protocol File (*.tmt).
From the File menu, select Open, or press the Open button on the toolbar.
2. A currently programmed test sequence on a device can be read. From the Hardware
menu, select Read, or press the Read button on the toolbar. To read a MechanoCulture
device, it must be connected to the computer’s USB port with a USB cable and it must
be powered on.
3. A new test sequence can be created by pressing the Insert Above or Insert Below
buttons to add sets to the test sequence. Each set will have its own row in the table and
sets will be executed sequentially. A test sequence can have a maximum of 8 sets.

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Step 2: Modify Testing Parameters (optional)
You can select and modify parameter sets by clicking
on their row in the Test Parameter Specification table
and then pressing the Edit Set button (or by double
clicking on their row). When you do so, the Set
Parameter Editor Dialog will appear.
Note that displacements are specified in mm and are
relative to the current position. Time units are applied to
the entire set but different sets can have different time
units.
The Do Not Stretch and Do Not Recover check boxes
allow for the stretch or recover phases to be omitted
during a testing cycle. This makes the creation of test
sequences that include preloading possible.
Step 3: Program a Device with the Specified Test Sequence
From the Hardware menu, select Program, or press the Program button on the toolbar. To
program a MechanoCulture device, it must be connected to the computer’s USB port with a USB
cable and it must be powered on.
MechanoCulture Tip: Saving Test Sequence Protocols
Once you have developed a test sequence, you can save it as a MechanoCulture
Protocol file for future use. Select Save from the file menu, or press the Save button on
the toolbar. You can then open this test sequence the next time you initiate a test
sequence.