OCT-based monitoring of artificial collagen membranes during mechanical stimulation

Artificial collagen membranes (ACM) are a novel model system for cell-based preclinical drug testing and basic research, which can resemble basement membrane properties. Here we show, how an in-house developed pneumatic actuation device, MPSstimulus, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a 3D imaging method can be used to create and monitor in vivo-like ACM conditions in a microphysiological system. Based on static and dynamic pressure changes with synchronized OCT acquisition, the capabilities of the monitoring system for cell culture and testing are demonstrated.