A REVIEW of TWO-DIMENSIONAL in VITRO CELL STRETCH PLATFORMS

The focus of this paper is to describe the mechanism and behavior of two-dimensional in vitro cell stretch platforms, as well as discussing designs for the evaluation of mechanical properties of cells. It is extremely important to understand the cellular response to extrinsic mechanical forces as living biological system is constantly subjected to mechanical forces in vivo. In addition, this mechanistic understanding of cellular response will provide valuable information towards the design and fabrication of bioengineered tissues and organs, which are expected to replace and/or aid bodily functions. This paper will primarily focus on the development, advantages and limitations of two-dimensional cell stretch platforms.