From cancer research to research into the vascular system, from the gastrointestinal system to research into the respiratory system, from muscle cells to skin cells. Cell forces are important research parameters in many areas of molecular and cellular biomechanics.
Our compact tabletop measuring device CFAref (Cell Force Analyzer) is particularly suitable for cellular mechano-biological studies. It can be used to record mechanical forces (tensions) of eukaryotic cell layers and their changes due to biochemical, pharmacological or mechanical influences. And with the highest precision! The measuring principle is based on an ultra-thin, flexible and biocompatible PDMS membrane that forms the base of a cell culture cylinder on which the cells are seeded: The CellDrum.TMIn addition to biological applications, the measuring principle also enables non-biological material tests, precisely where surface tensions need to be measured.
The measuring principle
The CFAref determines the inverse modulus of elasticity (compliance) of the cell layers cultivated on the CellDrum.
The highly flexible membrane mimics the soft mechanical "environment" of cells in tissues and creates almost physiological mechanical conditions for cell growth. The CFAref determines the absolute mechanical stress and is therefore independent of the measurement method. It therefore serves as a reference method for all other, less defined "cell force" systems.
The measurements are carried out in a controlled environment at 37°C.
By using soft, ultra-thin (a few µm) membranes to which the cell layers adhere and are cultivated, the membrane deflection reacts to induced, extremely small cell force changes in the sum of all cells in the cell layer. After cultivating the cells and positioning the CellDrum in the CFAref, these measurements are carried out and evaluated semi-automatically.
Media and substance changes are possible at any time.
Sample volume | 6 x 500 µl |
Culture area | 6 x 200 mm² |
Pressure range | -125 to +125 Pa |
Zero point accuracy | 0.08 Pa |
Accuracy | 3 % of the measured value |
Measuring time (6 CellDrums) | 180 s |
Calibration | automatically |
Temperature control | 30 to 40°C (+/- 0.4 °C) |
Size (H x W x D) | 140 x 185 x 435 mm |
Weight | 7.2 kg |