Abstract: Adjustable gravity simulators, mechanical loading devices, and methods for simulating gravitational loads and cell culturing are described. Further provided is an adjustable gravity simulator having a simulator chamber and a mechanical loading device configured to apply a mechanical load to samples in the simulator chamber while the simulator chamber experiences a microgravity or partial gravity simulation. Advantageously, the adjustable gravity simulator as described herein can address the challenges associated with cell culturing in simulated microgravity or partial gravity.

Abstract: Adjustable gravity simulators, mechanical loading devices, and methods for simulating gravitational loads and cell culturing are described.

Abstract: A scaffold-stretching system includes at least one stretchable loading chamber configured to support a scaffold material and a supply of cells, such as human skin substitute cells, and is configured to allow for cultivation of a cellular three-dimensional scaffold; and a mechanical loading system is configured for application of cyclic and static uniaxial tensile mechanical loading on the cellular three-dimensional scaffold, and is configured to mimic the in vivo environment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other tissues that experience uniaxial strains.

Abstract: A scaffold-stretching system includes at least one stretchable loading chamber configured to support a scaffold material and a supply of cells, such as human skin substitute cells, and is configured to allow for cultivation of a cellular three-dimensional scaffold; and a mechanical loading system is configured for application of cyclic and static uniaxial tensile mechanical loading on the cellular three-dimensional scaffold, and is configured to mimic the in vivo environment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other tissues that experience uniaxial strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for monitoring or detecting a change in a characteristic of an input substance. Specifically, the invention relates to a model for in vitro pharmacokinetic study and other pharmaceutical applications, as well as other uses including computing, sensing, filtration, detoxification, production of chemicals and biomolecules, testing cell/tissue behavior, toxicology, drug metabolism, drug screening, drug discovery, and implantation into a subject. The present invention also relates to systems and methods of a microplasm functionalized surface patterning of a substrate. The present invention represents an improvement over existing plasma systems used to modify the surface of a substrate, as the present invention creates surface patterning without the use of a mask, stamp or a chemical treatment.