Development of a Cytomic Force Transducer for Experimental Mechanobiology

In this work electrostatic actuation in ionic liquid environments was achieved through a unique atmospheric pressure packaging scheme in conjunction with Trichloro(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorooctyl)Silane surface modification. This technique avoids common problems of electrolysis, charge blocking, and current leakage without the need for any drive signal considerations. When combined with cellular self-assembly onto sacrificial polymers, this breakthrough opens the possibility of creating a cytomic force transduction system through which mechanobiological experiments can be conducted on a multitude of cell phenotypes in vitro. Testing of the device in liquid demonstrated actuation with as little as 15V and continuous operation in liquid was successful for over two weeks.