I-Cart Compression Bioreactor
The Indexed CartiGen (I-Cart) bioreactor provides a controllable mechanical and physiological environment for simulating in vivo conditions in vitro. Designed to apply uniform strain or force to multiple samples of variable height, the I-Cart system imparts individualized mechanical compression to 12 samples in culture. The automated system ensures proper alignment when switching between chambers and allows individual chambers to be removed to facilitate manual media changes. The standard chamber replicates the size of a 6 well plate culture well. Designed to be placed within a standard incubator, applications include investigating cell function, modulating the growth and development of engineered tissues, or testing drugs and regenerative medicine technologies.

Chambers
The I-Cart chambers are designed for cylindrical specimens of small L/D ratio. To facilitate gas exchange, the chambers feature a clear, gas permeable silicone membrane integrated with the lid as well as a 0.2 micron filter connected via a luer fitting. The clear, transparent chamber base allows for visual inspection of the sample and media to aid in determining media change frequency.

Sample Size: 4mm - 20mm diameter, 1mm-10mm height

DynaGen Stimulator
The I-Cart features a loading frame to provide mechanical compression stimulation. Load is applied using a 40N linear motor and monitored/controlled using an integrated load cell. The motor also incorporates a displacement transducer for monitoring and controlling the applied displacement. The motor delivers user defined waveforms of physiological significance.

GrowthWorks Software & Control
An automated indexing rotary table positions each of the 12 chambers within the load frame for a user defined time period. Once within the frame, the linear motor lifts the chamber until it makes contact with a platen attached to the load cell. Upon contact, each chamber is stimulated according to it's own load/strain profile, amplitude and frequency. Uniform axial movement of the integrated piston is accomplished via a proprietary alignment guide.

The standard system is configured with one linear motor providing equal stimulation periods for up to two (2) hours per day for each specimen. For increased uniform loading durations of up to six (6) hours, two (2) additional motors can be added to the standard system. All these features are packed into a small footprint that easily fits on a standard incubator shelf.

Dimensions:
H x 14"(380mm);L x 10"(254mm);W x 8.5"(216mm); Weight: 11.5lbs (5.2kg)