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.