A novel in vitro shear device for high strain rate injury of three-dimensional co-cultures of neurons and astrocytes

Every year in the U.S. TBI results in numerous disabilities and death, so it has become extremely important to learn more about TBI. To accurately mimic a traumatic insult, we have designed a device to test 3-D cell cultures that undergo large shear deformations at high strain rates. There have been numerous models to simulate TBI in vitro, but due to limitations of 2-D cell cultures, in vivo responses may not be accurately simulated. This model stands to address these limitations and provide a more precise in vitro simulation of TBI. A custom designed device capable of shear strain of up to 50% was constructed in order to determine the impact of shearing effects on neural cell cultures. Future tests will provide a variety of cellular outcomes such as real-time monitoring of cytosolic ions and cell survival.