The present invention relates to a device for mechanical stimulation of biological material and a related process. It is a micro-impactor for impacting or exerting pressure on a biological sample. The device is particularly suitable for in vitro experiments in the field of mechanobiology and for the purpose of recreating conditions resulting from immediate (e.g., traumatic injury to the spinal cord or brain) or progressive (e.g., slow formation of compressive neoplastic masses) physical trauma.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
The micro-impactor comprises a small body, an actuator controllable by a connected controller, and a movable contact organ for interaction with a biological sample. The contact organ includes a contact end, a variable length spacer portion connected to both the contact and the body, and configured to distance the contact end from the body of the device, and a contact surface (varying in shape and size according to experimental requirements). The device also includes means of power supply. The stimulation device is designed to minimise electrostatic interference generated by operation, and can be used to mechanically stimulate an in vitro biological specimen while it is connected to sensors for measurement and data recording. In particular, the stimulation device makes it possible to measure the parameters of a sample during or immediately after an impact. The actuator used makes it possible to actuate the contact organ in a very wide range of speeds, forces and impact durations, even to recreate a minimal compression over time. TRL 4.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
Founded in 1978, SISSA Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati of Trieste, Italy, is a leading institute for research and postgraduate training on the national and international stage. It is one of the six schools of excellence in Italy.
The aim of the School is to promote the development of scientific research and intellectual culture, all the while preparing young graduate students for advanced research, both pure and applied. The School was initially active in the so-called “hard sciences”, before expanding its range of activities to comprise new fields such as Neuroscience, Structural-Functional Genomics, Data Science and Science Communication. Research and training activities are grouped within three main areas: Physics, Mathematics and Neuroscience.
Besides its traditional pillars (Higher education and Research), in the recent years SISSA has been constantly working to promote new activities and initiatives focused on fostering the societal and economic development of the local Territory, the so called Third Mission to promote innovation and knowledge transfer.
For more information on SISSA innovation technologies and know-how, please contact us at valorisation@sissa.it
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