New tools for applying force to animals, tissues, and cells are
critically needed in order to advance the field of mechanobiology, as few
existing tools enable simultaneous imaging of tissue and cell deformation as
well as cellular activity in live animals. Here, we introduce a novel
microfluidic device that enables high-resolution optical imaging of cellular
deformations and activity while applying precise mechanical stimuli to the
surface of the worm’s cuticle with a pneumatic pressure reservoir. To
evaluate device performance, we compared analytical and numerical simulations
conducted during the design process to empirical measurements made with
fabricated devices. Leveraging the well-characterized touch receptor neurons
(TRNs) with an optogenetic calcium indicator as a model mechanoreceptor neuron,
we established that individual neurons can be stimulated and that the device can
effectively deliver steps as well as more complex stimulus patterns. This
microfluidic device is therefore a valuable platform for investigating the
mechanobiology of living animals and their mechanosensitive neurons.
This work proposes and analyzes a structurally-integrated lithium-ion battery concept. The multifunctional energy storage composite (MESC) structures developed here encapsulate lithium-ion battery materials inside high-strength carbon-fiber composites and use interlocking polymer rivets to stabilize the electrode layer stack mechanically. These rivets enable load transfer between battery layers, allowing them to store electrical energy while also contributing to the structural load carrying performance, without any modifications to the battery chemistry. The design rationale, fabrication processes, and experimental mechano-electrical characterization of first-generation MESCs are discussed. Experimental results indicate that the MESCs offer electrochemical performance comparable to standard lithium-ion cells, despite the disruptive design change. The mechanical performance of MESCs is assessed via quasi-static three-point bending tests, with results showing significantly improved mechanical stiffness
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