Shape Control of an Openable Biomimetic Tube by Pneumatic Balloons for Cell Stimulation

This paper reports on shape control of a biomimetic tube that enables mechanical stimulation of cells. The tube can be transformed from a flat state using integrated pneumatic balloon actuators that bend up when air pressure is applied. The flat and transformed tubular state are suitable for cell observation and perfusion experiments, respectively. In this study, we developed a shape control mechanism composed of a supporting structure around the tube and pneumatic balloons. The supporting structure is introduced to ensure stable long-term perfusion experiments, and pneumatic balloons can control the shape of the tube. We analyzed strain and shear stress related to mechanical stimulation of cultured cells caused by the shape control and perfusion, respectively. We expect that the improved openable microfluidic device will contribute to the advancement of in vitro drug screening technology.