MicroTester

Micro-scale mechanical testing that does what others can’t

Smaller specimens, better force resolution, easier test setups, and great visuals. Applications include small tissue samples, hydrogel microspheres, cell spheroids, and engineered microtissues.

MicroTester G2

Compression, tension, bending, indentation and shear testing
Piezo-electric actuators with 0.1µm resolution
Optional second axis imaging
Force resolution down to 10nN
High resolution CCD imaging
Integrated temperature-controlled media bath
Fully featured user interface software for simple, cyclic, relaxation, and multi-modal testing with real-time feedback

MicroTester LT

Compression, tension, bending and indentation testing
Affordable pricing for a wide range of applications and users
Stepper motor actuators with 1µm resolution
Force resolution down to 50nN
High resolution CCD imaging
Integrated temperature-controlled media bath
Fully featured user interface software for simple, cyclic, relaxation, and multi-modal testing with real-time feedback

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Specimens & Mounting

Parallel Plate Compression Specimen: 300µm hydrogel microsphere (30KPa) Peak Force: 20mN

Cantilever Bend Specimen: 20µm thick by 4mm wide foil strip (70MPa) Peak Force: 3mN

Parallel Plate Compression Specimen: 2mm diameter hydrogel cylinder (12KPa) Peak Force: 20mN

Spherical Indentation Specimen: 1.5mm diameter indenter into hydrogel (2KPa) Peak Force: 12mN

Bend-Induced Tension Specimen: spider silk Peak Force: 2mN

Puncture-Attached Tension Specimen: 3.5mm wide by 1.5mm thick hydrogel (0.5KPa) Peak Force: 1.4mN

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Videos

MicroScale Mechanical Testing Examples

Mechanical Testing of Soft Gels

Hydrogel MicroSphere Compression Test Demonstration

Our lab focuses on micro and nanoscale 3D-printing of soft hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. The MicroTester is a unique device capable of accurately testing our 3D-printed scaffolds where other methods have fallen short. The software provided is easy to use and provides flexibility for the diverse needs of our lab

Justin Liu, PHD Candidate

Shaochen Chen Lab, University of California San Diego

CellScale MicroTester represents a unique opportunity to perform mechanical assays in cell spheroids together with a versatile optical system. We also have a great experience with CellScale’s customer support. See publication: Delivery of Human Adipose Stem Cells Spheroids into Lockyballs.

Prof. Leandra S. Baptista

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

CellScale’s innovative equipment has allowed us to accurately characterize the properties of a diverse range of engineered bioscaffolds under physiological conditions. What truly sets CellScale apart, is their commitment to Customer Service – they have gone above and beyond to help us in getting the most from our data and are always very prompt and helpful in responding to our questions.

Lauren Flynn, Ph.D., P.Eng

Western University

Publications

3D Printing of a Multi-Layered Eye Model for Better Understanding and Treating Pterygium

Researchers have used 3D printing to create an intricate model of a common eye condition called pterygium, which can cause vision problems. This model, which includes various types of cells and mimics the disease environment, will aid in understanding the disease...

Speedy 3D Printing of Tiny, Flexible Tube Structures for Medical Uses

The research team has developed a fast and versatile method for 3D printing small, flexible tubes from a type of material commonly used in biomedicine. These tiny structures, which can mimic the characteristics of body parts like the ear's cochlea or a kidney's filter...

Building a ‘Heart-on-a-Chip’ Using Color-Changing, Electrically Conductive Gels for Easier Visualization and Drug Testing

Researchers have created a special type of electrically conductive gel that changes color with movement, mimicking a human heart on a micro-scale. This 'heart-on-a-chip' could offer a simplified, visually intuitive way to study heart diseases and test new drugs,...

Using Edible Gel Particles Made from Shellfish and Collagen to Grow Meat in the Lab

This research introduces a new method to grow lab-created meat, using tiny edible particles made from shellfish and collagen that can support the rapid growth of various animal cells. These particles can be included in the final meat product, reducing costs and...

Tuning the Microenvironment to Create Functionally Distinct Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Spheroids

Scientists are customizing the environment of specific cells, known as mesenchymal stromal cells, to create different kinds of cell clusters that are particularly effective in wound healing and tissue regeneration. These enhanced cell clusters have been found to...

Building a co-culture prostate cancer tissue model to match in vivo xenograft tumor properties.

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a 3D engineered prostate cancer tissue model with properties that are informed by direct comparison tests with xenograft tumor tissue specimens. In the most recently published study, tumor xenografts were established in...

Download MicroTester Publication List

TECHNICAL INFO

	MTG2	MTLT
Dimensions	56 X 14 X 24cm	52 X 17 X 21cm
Weight	9kg	6.5kg
Force Capacity	500mN
Available Force Transducers	0.005, 0.02, 0.08, 0.2, 1, 5, 25, 100, 500mN
Force Accuracy	Approx. 0.2% of transducer capacity
Maximum Grip Separation	Approx. 10mm
Maximum Velocity	0.5mm/s
Maximum Cycle Frequency	0.5Hz	0.1Hz
Maximum Data Rate	15Hz	5Hz
Actuator Technology	Piezo-electric Motor	Stepper Motor
Actuator Resolution	0.1um	1um
Range of Field of View	0.4-11.0mm	0.8-5.5mm
Vertical Image Resolution	2048px	1536px
Secondary Camera Option	Yes	No
Secondary Test Axis Option (Shear)	Yes	No