In vitro SIRC rabbit cornea cells growth on PDMS thin membrane under shear stress force

This paper investigates cell growth behavior under a shear stress environment. SIRC rabbit cornea cells were grown on a silicon rubber membrane fabricated by micro molding technology. The membrane was clamped inside a stress apparatus, and air pressure was employed to apply shear stress on the silicone rubber membrane for cell growth testing. Different air pressures, from 0.4, 0.7, 1.0 to 1.8 Psig (2.76×10³∼1.24×10⁴ Pa, gauge pressure), were applied on the membrane to generate steady shear strain on cell for more than 18 hours, respectively. The results showed the decrease of cell multiplication for the increase of air pressure on the membrane. A large decrease of cell multiplication at around 0.7 Psig suggested the turning point of cell growth behavior, and this point was also observed from the morphology change of the cell at the similar pressure level. This result will be beneficial for the growth control of corneal tissue.