Finite strain analysis for biaxial isotropic flexible cell culture membranes

Anchorage dependant cells can be deformed on silicone membranes. These cells can respond to strain stimulus, and have been shown to differentiate, proliferate, and express different phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the membrane substrate on which cells attach to. Lagrangian strain analysis was conducted with fluorescence emitting microspheres, having a diameter of 0.02 /spl mu/m. Stretch ratios were calculated for a deformed membrane surface at different positions and at different strains. The goal was to establish that uniform biaxial, isotropic strain exists for membranes deformed in a StageFlexer/spl reg/ chamber. Data indicates that uniform biaxial strain does occur. However, exact finite deformation characterization on the silicone membrane proves illusive as to the high degree of data variability.