Figure 1.

Types of mechanical stimuli integrated in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems. Black arrow represents the direction of each stimulus. Laminar (A) and pulsatile (B) flows along the microfluidic channel and generates laminar and pulsatile shear stresses on the cell surfaces. Interstitial flow (C) through the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold generates the shear stress to the cells attached to it. Compression (D) generates compressive force on top of the cells. Stretch/strain applied to the ECM scaffold (E) generates the force to the cells attached to it.