Cell Pressure Systems for Cell & Tissue Culture
Simulating Physiological Conditions and Enhancing Biological Research
Cell Pressure
Despite the constant exposure of cells to dynamic forces like shear stress, mechanical strain, and hydrostatic pressure in their natural environments, the role of pressure in in-vitro cellular responses often remains unexplored. Surprisingly, there are few commercial solutions available to address this crucial research gap. Strex’s Pressure System addresses this by creating an environment that simplifies the living conditions of cultured cells, enabling researchers to investigate responses to specific stimuli. The system works by applying pneumatic pressure within a CO₂ chamber to mimic physiological stimuli in cell types found in the bladder, kidneys, intestines, and more. Our innovative technology offers a simplified yet highly relevant model of complex biological functions, opening up new horizons in understanding the impact of pressure on cellular dynamics. Discover recent publications utilizing our technology to advance your research.
- Pressure Chamber
- Control Box
- Pressure Regulator
- Vacuum Tubes
- Programmed Pressure Patterns
- Optional CO2 Sensor
*pre-mixed gas supply not included.
Cell culture plates are placed inside of the Strex Pressure Chamber. This chamber is placed inside an incubator and connected to the control box on the outside of the incubator via vacuum tubing that is inserted through the utility port on the incubator. The control box is also connected to a pre-mixed gas supply (not included) via vacuum tubing. Alternatively, the Strex Microscope Mountable Pressure Chamber sits under a microscope inside a glass-bottom culture dish. A microincubator is recommended for temperature control.
The control unit has a fully automated program that can be run in either continuous or cyclic mode with gas exchange occurring at given intervals to ensure cell viability. This 30 second exchange typically occurs every 60-90 minutes by releasing pressure and re-pressurizing the chamber, so you will notice a decrease in pressure during this process. Our system conveniently automates these steps for you and includes many pressure patterns to mimic various physiological conditions.
Contact us for an online demo to learn about the various pressure programs.
- Epithelial Cells (bladder, kidney, etc.)
- Endothelial Cels
- Smooth Muscle Cells
- Retinal Tissue
- Mechanotransduction
- Glaucoma
Research papers referencing the use of our pressure system can be found here.
2023
Beneficial and Detrimental Pressure-Related Effects on Inner Neurons in the Adult Porcine In Vitro Retina.
Svare, F., & Ghosh, F.
(2023). Translational Vision Science & Technology, 12(2), 19-19.
2022
Biphasic effect of mechanical stress on lymphocyte activation.
Yassouf, M. Y., Zhang, X., Huang, Z., Zhai, D., Sekiya, R., Kawabata, T., & Li, T. S.
(2022). Journal of Cellular Physiology, 237(2), 1521-1531.
2019
Mechanical stress accompanied with nuclear rotation is involved in the dormant state of mouse oocytes.
Nagamatsu, G., Shimamoto, S., Hamazaki, N., Nishimura, Y., & Hayashi, K.
(2019). Science Advances, 5(6), eaav9960.
Cell Pressure System Models and Specifications
Cell Pressure System, Low Pressure
SP-1000
Single channel low pressure system with polycarbonate chamber. This is our standard and most popular model.
System Configuration
Control box, square pressure chamber to accommodate up to
6 multiwell plates or 4 Petri dishes, and pressure regulator.
System Specifications
100 – 300 mmHg, 1ch, PC Vessel.
Settings: Continuous and cyclic mode.
Continuous Pressure: 0 – 300 mmHg with 7.6 mmHg incremental settings. The pressure is applied until gas exchange.
Cyclic Pressure: Pressure oscillates between two pressure settings, each between
0 – 300 mmHg. The period of oscillation is set by the user between 1-180 minutes.
Internal Dimensions: L 18.5 x W 16.5 x H 11.6 cm
Note: Model SP-1000 is the replacement model to AGP-1000
SP-1200
Dual chamber low pressure model for higher throughput.
System Configuration
1 Control box, 2 square pressure chambers to accommodate up to 12 multiwell plates or 8 Petri dishes, and pressure regulator.
System Specifications
100 – 300 mmHg, 2ch, PC Vessel.
Settings: Continuous and cyclic mode.
Stimulation Pressure: 0 – 300 mmHg with 7.6 mmHg incremental settings.
Internal Dimensions (each chamber): L 18.5 x W 16.5 x H 11.6 cm
Note: Model SP-1200 is the replacement model to AGP-2000
Microscope Stage-top Vessel, SP-1001, Expansion for SP-1000
Note: Model SP-1001 is the replacement model to AGP-3001-M
Cell Pressure System, Higher Pressure
SP-2000
Single channel high pressure model with a stainless steel chamber. Dual channel (SP-2200) option is available for higher throughput.
System Configuration
Control box, cylindrical pressure chamber to accommodate up to
3 multiwell plates, and pressure regulator.
System Specifications
Models:
SP-2000: 100 – 450 mmHg, 1ch, SS Vessel.
SP-2200: 100 – 450 mmHg, 2ch, SS Vessel.
Settings: Continuous and cyclic mode.
Continuous Pressure: 0 – 450 mmHg with 7.6 mmHg incremental settings.
The pressure is applied until gas exchange.
Cyclic Pressure: Pressure oscillates between two pressure settings, each between
0 – 450 mmHg. The period of oscillation is set by the user between 1-180 minutes.
Internal Dimensions: 15 cm Internal Diameter X 11.6 cm Height
Note: Model SP-2000 is the replacement model to AGP-1000-HP
Microscope-Mountable Pressure Stimulation System
SP-1010
Microscope mountable model for observation of samples in a 35mm culture dish.
System Configuration
Control box, pressure regulator, microscope-mountable chamber capable of holding a single glass-bottom culture dish. Can be custom designed to hold up to 6 dishes. Contact us about compatibility.
System Specifications
Microscope, 1ch
Settings: Continuous and cyclic mode.
Stimulation Pressure: 0 – 200 mmHg with 7.6 mmHg incremental settings.
Pressure is applied until gas exchange.
Cyclic Pressure:: Pressure oscillates between two pressure settings, each between
0 – 200 mmHg. The period of oscillation is set by the user between 1-180 minutes.
Note: Model SP-1010 is the replacement model to AGP-1000-M
Custom systems are also available by request, including applying pressure and electric stimulation.
Contact us today to discuss your research and see how we can assist you.