Frequently Asked Questions
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Comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about BMSEED’s products, services, and mission. Here, you'll find detailed information about our biotechnology solutions, research collaborations, and business development initiatives. Whether you are a researcher, business partner, or a potential collaborator, this page addresses inquiries on key topics such as product usage, specifications, support options, and more. Our goal is to make your engagement with BMSEED seamless, transparent, and informed. Explore these insights to understand how our expertise can drive innovation in the biotechnology sector.
Overview
What is the MultiElectrode Array Stretching Stimulating und Recording Equipment (MEASSuRE)?
MEASSuRE is BMSEED’s fully integrated, plug-and-play platform that combines cell mechanics, electrophysiology, and live-cell imaging into one synchronized research system. Designed for advanced mechanobiology and electrophysiology studies, MEASSuRE enables researchers to apply controlled mechanical strain to cells while simultaneously recording electrical activity and capturing high-resolution optical/fluorescence data.
Key Advantages of MEASSuRE
Direct comparison of pre- and post-stretch cellular behavior
Real-time monitoring during dynamic strain
High strains (up to 50%) and strain rates (up to 90/s)
Reduced experimental variability by accurate tissue strain validation
Radial, linear and custom strain gradients
Significant time savings compared to separate systems
Simplified workflow with synchronized data streams
Contact us for a consultation regarding the benefits of MEASSuRE for your research: Email: info@bmseed.com, Phone: +1 (609) 532-9744
What are stretchable multielectrode arrays (sMEAs)?
Stretchable multielectrode arrays (sMEAs) are BMSEED’s proprietary consumable devices designed specifically for use with the MEASSuRE system. Unlike traditional rigid glass MEAs or merely flexible arrays, sMEAs provide a soft, elastic, and physiologically relevant mechanical environment for in vitro studies.
sMEAs are engineered to support simultaneous mechanical stimulation and electrophysiological recording, enabling researchers to study how cells respond electrically to physiological or pathological stretch. Tissue slices or dissociated cell cultures can be stretched by pulling the silicone substrate of the sMEA with the embedded microelectrodes over an indenter. The electrodes stretch with the tissue, thus being able to record electrophysiological activity before and after stretching from the same location, pre- and post-stretch.
Stretchable microelectrode arrays for in vitro electrophysiology under dynamic mechanical strain are available exclusively from BMSEED. By mimicking the dynamic environment in vitro and combined with high-quality electrophysiological recording, sMEAs enable in vitro research with unprecedented physiological0 relevance.
Contact us for a consultation regarding the benefits of MEASSuRE for your research: Email: info@bmseed.com, Phone: +1 (609) 532-9744
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The overall goal of the MEASSuRE platform is to improve how results from in vitro models translate to in vivo behavior. By recreating controlled mechanical environments while simultaneously measuring functional outcomes, MEASSuRE bridges the gap between simplified cell culture systems and complex physiological conditions.
MEASSuRE enables researchers to apply:
Physiological stretch using the Mini model
Pathological or injury-level stretch using the Premium and X models
By integrating biomechanics, electrophysiology, and imaging into one synchronized system, MEASSuRE helps you generate more physiologically relevant data, reduce experimental variability, and accelerate translational discovery.
A More Predictive In Vitro Model: Traditional in vitro systems often lack mechanical relevance, limiting their translational value. MEASSuRE addresses this by:
Applying controlled radial or linear strain
Delivering high strain rates for injury modeling
Allowing repeated stretch–relaxation cycles
Maintaining precise and reproducible deformation profiles
This enables more realistic modeling of conditions such as:
Traumatic brain injury
Cardiac overload and arrhythmias
Pulmonary stretch injury
Mechanotransduction-related disorders
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In general, all cell and tissue types that grow in vitro can be used with MEASSuRE. Some examples that customers have used on sMEAs include:
primary hippocampal neurons
organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
organotypic spinal cord slice cultures
neurons, astrocytes, microglia
human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
cerebral organoids
cardiac spheroids
etc.
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MEASSuRE enables researchers to precisely reproduce the biomechanical forces cells experience in both healthy and pathological conditions. Whether you are modeling physiological loading or acute traumatic injury, the platform delivers controlled, reproducible strain profiles tailored to your experimental goals.
From subtle, cyclic deformation to high-speed injury-level stretch, MEASSuRE supports a broad spectrum of mechanobiology research applications.
Physiological & Pathological Stretch Models
With MEASSuRE, you can simulate:
Normal physiological loading seen in cardiac, neural, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal tissues
Acute traumatic deformation associated with injury
Repeated stretch–relaxation cycles to mimic chronic mechanical stress
High strain-rate events relevant to impact and concussion models
This flexibility allows researchers to study both adaptive cellular responses and damage mechanisms under controlled laboratory conditions. Some examples include:
mechanobiology
tissue engineering
regenerative medicine
TBI & repeated concussions
spinal cord injury
neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s)
organ-on-a-chip
muscle injuries
and more
Strain Rates: up to 1/s for the Mini, up to 60/s for the Premium, and up to 90/s for the X model
Strain: up to 20% for the Mini and up to 50% for the Premium and X models
By offering precise control over strain magnitude, strain rate, and stretch pattern, MEASSuRE provides a powerful and reproducible platform to investigate how mechanical forces influence cellular structure, electrophysiology, and function.
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The cost of MEASSuRE and stretchable multielectrode arrays (sMEAs) varies based on system configuration, performance requirements, and customization. Because BMSEED platforms are modular and application-driven, pricing is tailored to match your specific research goals.
The cost of a MEASSuRE system depends on several key factors:
1. Strain & Strain Rate Requirements
Different models (Mini, Premium, X) support varying levels of:
Maximum strain
Maximum strain rate
Stretch waveform complexity
Injury-level performance
Higher strain rates and advanced trauma modeling capabilities require enhanced mechanical components and control systems.
2. Electrophysiology Configuration
Pricing varies depending on:
Number of recording channels
Stimulation capability
Data acquisition hardware
Real-time analysis tools
Integration with existing lab equipment
3. Imaging Capabilities
Live-cell imaging configurations may include:
Brightfield only
Fluorescence imaging
High-resolution objectives
Camera sensitivity and frame rate
Software integration
Customized Solutions for Your Research
Because every laboratory has unique requirements, BMSEED works directly with researchers to:
Match system performance to application needs
Avoid unnecessary features
Optimize budget allocation
Provide scalable solutions for future expansion
Contact us for a consultation or quote. Email: info@bmseed.com, Phone: +1 (609) 532-9744
Please include information about your desired strain parameters, electrophysiology requirements, imaging needs, and anticipated sMEA usage volume. Our team will provide a customized proposal tailored to your research objectives.
sMEAs (Stretchable Microelectrode Arrays)
How do sMEAs work?
sMEAs consist of silicone substrates with embedded gold microelectrodes. The microelectrodes are stretchable and therefore allow both mechanical and electrical interfacing with cell or tissue cultures. They enable researchers to apply controlled mechanical stretch while recording electrophysiological data.
What material are the sMEAs made of?
sMEAs are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone embedded with gold (Au) microelectrodes that are coated with lead-free Platinum black.
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# of Electrodes per sMEA*: 28 – 56
# of Reference Electrodes per sMEA*: 2 – 4
Diameter of Recording Sites*: 70 – 200 µm
Spacing of Recording Sites*: 260 – 1188 µm
Working Area of sMEA Recording Sites*: 2 – 10 mm diameter
*customizable
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sMEAs (electrodes) and SWs (no electrodes) can be re-used if proper cleaning protocols are followed. Contact BMSEED for proper cleaning protocols for each cell type.
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The sMEA generation can be chosen based on the number of recording/stimulating electrodes, interelectrode distance, and electrode recording area. Consult with BMSEED to discuss other customizable features, such as 3D microchannels, 3D pockets for organoids, and more.
Stretchwells (SWs) do not contain any electrodes, but are the same as sMEAs in all other aspects. They can be a cheaper alternative to optimize cell seeding protocols for the sMEAs, or use with the Mechanics Module if recording electrophysiological activity is not intended for the experiment either because the cells are not electrophysiologically active or because other aspects are being investigated.
Glass MEAs provide a rigid, glass substrate.
For more information, view the comparison table below or contact BMSEED for a quick consultation:
+1 (609) 532-9744
Compare sMEAs
Determine which stretchable microelectrode array to use.
MEASSuRE (MicroElectrode Array Stretching Stimulating und Recording Equipment)
What is the purpose of MEASSuRE?
MEASSuRE will serve as a platform to enable fundamentally improved methods to investigate physiological stretch and pathological stretch of cells in a controlled in vitro environment. In addition, MEASSuRE allows optical imaging of the cells throughout the stretching process for verification of the tissue strain and to detect morphological changes in the tissue.
What are the advantages of using MEASSuRE over traditional methods?
MEASSuRE offers several advantages, including the integration of multiple techniques into one system, reproducibility, and the ability to study both mechanical and electrical aspects simultaneously, which can provide more comprehensive insights into cellular responses.
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Yes, customers can use any one module, two modules, or all three modules (Mechanics, Imaging, Electrophysiology) depending on the application and the budget.
Contact us for a consultation or quote:
+1 (609) 532-9744
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The MEASSuRE model is chosen depending on the customer’s desired applications (strain, strain rates), imaging quality, electrophysiology setup, and space limitations.
For physiological strain, i.e., strain that the cells experience under normal conditions, the Mini model is the most suitable. The Mechanics Module produces strains of up to 20% at rates of up to 1/s. It can be used in an incubator to produce stretches over many cycles for extended periods of time while controlling the cellular environment (temperature, ambient).
For pathological strain, i.e., strain that causes a trauma to the cells, the Premium and X models are suitable. The Mechanics Module produces strains of up to 50% at strain rates of 60/s for the Premium and 90/s for the X model.
For more information, view the comparison table below for MEASSuRE-Mini, -Premium, and -X, or contact BMSEED for a quick consultation:
+1 (609) 532-9744
Compare MEASSuRE Models
Determine which MEASSuRE model to use.
