Medical Device Link.

WHAT'S NEW

The ElectroForce Systems Group of Bose Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA) has introduced a new instrument designed for the characterization and stimulation of multiple biological specimens within a cell culture media environment. Suited for use with a variety of tissues and biomaterials, the ElectroForce 5200 features independent media loops and controlled loading of all samples to measure statistical variability in tissue development. Its ability to perform simultaneous multispecimen characterization and stimulation in the same media environment is a significant advance over traditional systems, according to the company.

The device’s specimen chambers are adaptable to blood vessels, cardiac muscle, bone, cartilage, meniscus, spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and skin. The instrument's four-chamber frame is suitable for use in a cell culture incubator, and all of the components that come in contact with the samples and fluid withstand sterilization. Displacement, load, and pressure measurements are available for characterization of tissue mechanical properties.

Users can control the conditions under which simultaneous testing and stimulation occurs in the four chambers. Combinations of pulsatile flow and tension/compression loading are programmable, and individual specimen chambers can be harvested during an experiment to enable time studies. The four chambers also are capable of being rotated through the frame for intermittent mechanical loading and characterization.

The ElectroForce 5200 instrument's ability to perform simultaneous multispecimen characterization and stimulation in the same media environment is a significant advance over traditional systems, according to the manufacturer.