Mechanical Strain Regulates Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Figure 1

The Flexcell-5000 cell mechanical appliance was used. Cells were cultured in 6-well culture plates containing an elastic silicone membrane and fixed to the appliance module. A rubber gasket and silicone gel were applied to seal the gap between the modules and plates. A vacuum pump was connected to the module to generate negative pressure and induce periodical concave movement in the elastic membrane at the culture plate bottom. Thus, a force was applied along the surface of the radial tangent membrane to stimulate the cells attached to the membrane by the stretching stress. Tension was calculated by converting the stretching magnitude of the silicone membrane from its deformation rate (%).