In vitro 3-D culture model of tumor cell compression

Recently, research has begun to focus on the effects of forces from the tumor expanding against native tissue. The effect of tumor growth in such an environment has been implicated in tumor latency and metastasis. Thus, there is a need for a cost-effective in vitro research tool that applies compression to model solid stress in the tumor environment and is compatible with live cell microscopy. The device will apply deformation to a 3-D gel in a chambered cover glass slide over a range of strains (10-50%). The device must also be biocompatible and stable in cell culture environments. In addition, it must have an unobstructed light path and fit within the specified microscope. A prototype is currently being fabricated and cytotoxicity is being evaluated.