A flow bio-reactor for studying the effects of haemodynamic forces on the morphology and rheology of cylindrically cultured endothelial cells.

摘要

This study reports on the development and validation of an integrated experimental system for quantitative monitoring of the effects of vascular dynamic and static forces on endothelial cells (ECs), in terms of their morphological remodelling and rheological properties. The system consists of a microscope-based flow bio-reactor which imposes controlled individual and combined haemodynamic forces on ECs cultured on the inner surface of cylindrical transparent substrate tubes. EC morphology is monitored by optical microscopy. Micro-rheological alterations are measured by optical magnetic twisting cytometry (OMTC) using ferromagnetic micro-beads adherent to the EC cytoskeleton. System validation tests ascertained the capability for imposing controlled flow conditions and for real-time monitoring of morphological and rheological changes.