Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a low force sensor for measuring loads that are applied at an end of a flexible member. The flexible member is mounted at one end to a housing and flexes in response to a load applied at an opposite end of the flexible member. The low force sensor includes an optical sensor and a light source whereby deflection of the flexible member causes the light source to move over the optical sensor which captures the movement of the light via images. The images are then processed to determine the force applied to the low force sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells without pumps or moving parts is described. The apparatus includes a supply reservoir and an effluent reservoir that are connected via a cell culture chamber for hosting cells and a bypass channel. The cell culture chamber and the bypass channel are fluidically coupled between the supply reservoir and the effluent reservoir. When the apparatus is in a first position, fluid held in the supply reservoir flows to the effluent reservoir via the cell culture chamber and when the apparatus is in a second position, fluid flows from the effluent reservoir to the supply reservoir via the bypass channel.