Team Members & Role:

Meredith Eagar – Team Lead

James Teele – Analysis Lead

Saphir Alexandre – Design Lead

Adam Dickey – Fabrication Lead

Courtney Chau – Evaluation Lead

Abstract:

The motivation of this project is to support extended research on bladder cancer in regard to cell functionality, physical properties, and mechanics. Furthering research into the properties of bladder cells will allow doctors to detect and treat bladder cancer in patients more easily. Team 1404’s mission is to design a functional and ergonomic cell stretch simulator for Professor Govind’s bladder cancer research. This device will be able to simulate the natural stretching mechanics that slow expanding organ cells undergo in the human body. Current commercial models on the market are made only for rapidly expanding cells with cycle lengths that last minutes or seconds, and only achieve 20% strain for a 1 cm length sample. Team 1404’s device is capable of achieving 100% strain for a 1 cm sample over the course of an hour. This strain rate is achieved through a stepper motor and gear train assembly that reduces step size to slowly stretch biological samples over the sampling time. A linear table converts rotational motion into a precise linear displacement, which causes two opposing armatures to uniaxially strain the sample while moving apart. A specially designed holding device, 3D-printed from heat resistant BASF PA11 nylon, secures the sample and ensures that it will not slip or become misaligned throughout the procedure. In order to minimize damage to the biological sample, the device will distribute the holding force across the contact surface of the sample, providing the appropriate grip during the stretch time. The cell stretcher is designed with a protective housing that can withstand incubator conditions of 37°C and 90% humidity for prolonged periods of time while safeguarding the mechanical driving system from corrosion. The housing is made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which can withstand regular alcohol cleaning. Components of the device that come in contact with the biological sample are constructed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and nylon and are able to withstand the 121°C autoclave steam cleaning without deteriorating.