Techniques for mechanical stimulation of cells in vitro: a review

A wide variety of laboratory apparatuses have been devised for mechanical s timulation of cell and tissue cultures. This article reviews the functional attributes of several dozen systems developed for that purpose, including their major advantages and disadvantages. These devices can be categorized in terms of their primary loading modality: compression (hydrostatic pressu re or direct platen contact), longitudinal stretch, bending, axisymmetric s ubstrate bulge, in-plane substrate distention, fluid shear stress, or combi ned substrate distention and fluid sheer. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.