Figure 3
From: An ultra-fast mechanically active cell culture substrate
(a) The actuator consists of an elastomer membrane with four stretchable electrodes patterned on each side. The membrane is non-equibiaxially prestretched to suppress the electromechanical instability in the DEA and to set the preferred actuation direction. The elastomer is much stiffer in the y-axis than the x-axis due to the hyperelastic behavior of the silicone elastomer. (b) Cells are cultured at the surface of the device and immersed in growth medium. The bottom side is covered by a thin oil film and sealed with a glass coverslip. Upon actuation, precise strain can be generated on cells located at the center of the device (hatched rectangle). (c) When up to 4 kV are applied between the top and bottom horizontal electrodes (in red), the electrodes expands horizontally, hence compressing the cells in the center of the membrane. (d) When up to 4 kV are applied between the top and bottom vertical electrodes (in red) they expand horizontally, hence elongating cells located at the center.
