The Models of
Micro Electrode Array Stretching Stimulating und Recording Equipment
MEASSuRE is a complete solution for researchers to stretch cells/tissue mechanically, image them optically, and record/stimulate electrophysiological activity, separately or concurrently.
BMSEED offers three models. Each model of MEASSuRE integrates three distinct methods into one system: (1) a cell stretching device, (2) a data acquisition system for electrophysiology, and (3) a live cell imaging system.
The combination of these experimental paradigms is enabled by BMSEED’s proprietary stretchable microelectrode array (sMEA) technology.
MEASSuRE-Mini
What are the applications?
Physiological Stretch Applications: tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, organ-on-a-chip, mechanobiology, and more.
What are the benefits?
Physiological stretch of cells to reproduce the normal environment of cells inside the body to promote cell maturation, health and function.
Electrophysiology measurements with stretchable microelectrode array (sMEA) to assess cellular health, function, and maturity in-situ and real-time.
Imaging to visualize cells and cellular processes during stretch.
What’s included?
Mechanics Module: stretching at strain rates up to 1/s and strains up to 20%
Imaging Module: optical or fluorescence imaging during stretching
Electrophysiology Module: 2x60 channels for recording and stimulation
What is the smallest motion and stroke (travel)?
Smallest Motion: 1.6 µm
Largest Stroke: 6 mm
What lab setting is the Mini model suitable for?
incubator, benchtop
“But how do I know all of this is possible?”
MEASSuRE has been used by research professionals in various fields with verified success. See testimonials.
To see what distinguishes the Mini from the Premium and X versions, scroll down to view the MEASSuRE comparison table or technical specifications.
Product Number (PN): 15-0000
MEASSuRE-Premium
What are the applications?
Pathological Stretch Applications: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repeated concussions, spinal cord injury (SCI), neurodegenerative diseases, muscle injuries, etc.
What are the benefits?
Pathological stretch of cells to reproduce the biomechanics of an injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).
Electrophysiology measurements with stretchable microelectrode array (sMEA) to assess cellular health and function before and after the injury, with and without neuroprotective compounds.
Imaging to visualize cells and cellular processes during stretch.
What’s included?
Mechanics Module: stretching at strain rates up to 50/s and strains up to 50%
Imaging Module: optical or fluorescence imaging during stretching
Electrophysiology Module: 2x60 channels for recording and stimulation
What is the smallest motion and stroke (travel)?
Smallest Motion: 6 µm
Largest Stroke: 25 mm
What setting is the Premium model suitable for?
benchtop
“But how do I know all of this is possible?”
MEASSuRE has been used by research professionals in various fields with verified success. See testimonials.
To see what distinguishes the Premium from the Mini and X versions, scroll down to view the MEASSuRE comparison table or technical specifications.
Product Number (PN): 14-000
MEASSuRE-X
What are the applications?
Pathological Stretch Applications: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repeated concussions, spinal cord injury (SCI), neurodegenerative diseases, muscle injuries, etc.
What are the benefits?
Very fast pathological stretch of cells to reproduce the biomechanics of an injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).
Electrophysiological measurements with stretchable microelectrode array (sMEA) to assess cellular health and function before and after the injury, with and without neuroprotective compounds.
Imaging to visualize cells and cellular processes during stretch.
What’s included?
Mechanics Module: stretching at strain rates up to 90/s and strains up to 50%
Imaging Module: optical or fluorescence imaging during stretching
Electrophysiology Module: 2x60 channels for recording and stimulation
What is the smallest motion and stroke (travel)?
Smallest Motion: 8 µm
Largest Stroke: 32 mm
What setting is the X model suitable for?
benchtop
“But how do I know all of this is possible”
MEASSuRE has been used by research professionals in various fields with verified success. See testimonials.
To see what distinguishes the X from the Mini and Premium versions, scroll down to view the MEASSuRE comparison table or technical specifications.
Product Number (PN): 13-0000
Comparing MEASSuRE Models
MEASSuRE-Mini: Physiological stretch of cells to reproduce the environment of cells inside the body; assessment of cell health, function, and maturity using electrophysiological measurements; visualization of cells and cellular processes during stretch.
MEASSuRE-Premium: Pathological stretch of cells to reproduce biomechanics of an injury such as TBI or SCI; assessment of cell health and function using electrophysiological measurements; visualization of cells and cellular processes during stretch.
MEASSuRE-X: Very rapid pathological stretch of cells to reproduce biomechanics of an injury such as TBI or SCI; assessment of cell health and function using electrophysiological measurements; visualization of cells and cellular processes during stretch.
For All MEASSuRE Models:
Can MEASSuRE be integrated with other lab equipment or systems?
Contact BMSEED to determine if MEASSuRE is compatible with your existing electrophysiology or imaging setup.
Can I purchase each module separately?
The three modules of the complete MEASSuRE system (Mechanics, Imaging, and Electrophysiology) are also available as a stand-alone tool. For example, if live cell imaging is not required, the Mechanics and Electrophysiology modules can be used to measure tissue response to stretch without imaging.
How much does each MEASSuRE model cost?
The cost of BMSEED’s MEASSuRE system is dependent on the desired MEASSuRE model and included modules (imaging system requirements and electrophysiology setup). Contact BMSEED for an accurate quote.
What kind of support or training is provided with the purchase of a MEASSuRE product?
BMSEED offers in-person or virtual training with each purchase of the MEASSuRE system, in addition to the required training manuals.
Mechanics
radial, uniaxial, and custom strain fields
one fast impulse stretch or continuous cyclical stretch
any stretch pattern
high reproducibility
What cell types can be stretched using MEASSuRE?
In general, all cell and tissue types that grow in vitro can be used with MEASSuRE. Some examples that customers have used include: primary hippocampal neurons, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, organotypic spinal cord slice cultures, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, cerebral organoids, and cardiac spheroids.
Are there any safety features included with the MEASSuRE system?
All MEASSuRE models come with two emergency stop buttons (one located on the front of the electronics enclosure and one external button that the user can place anywhere).
Imaging
optical or fluorescence imaging before, during, and after stretching
cells remain in focal plane throughout stretching motion
up to 2,000 frames per second at 2MP resolution (optical)
configurable as needed
custom, easy-to-use software to independently measure the tissue strain
Is the live cell imaging system suitable for all types of biological tissues?
BMSEED offers optical and fluorescence imaging of live cells during stretching motion, e.g., to verify cell adhesion to the substrate or measure the flow of Ca ions. Contact BMSEED to determine which imaging system is most suitable for your lab.
Electrophysiology
electrodes stretch with the cells/tissue
recording/stimulation before, during, and after stretching
comparison of pre- and post-stretch electrophysiological activity (normalization)
soft microelectrode arrays (MEAs) on elastomeric silicone substrates
standard MEAs on glass substrates also available
Does the data acquisition system allow for real-time data analysis?
The Intan data acquisition system features real-time analysis tools with easy data extraction to MATLAB, spreadsheet, or image files:
PSTH: peri-stimulus time histogram
ISI: inter-spike interval histogram
Spectrogram: and spectrum analyzer
Spike Scope with selectable spike detection and artifact rejection thresholds