FIGURE 2.

(A) DEAs consists of an elastomer membrane located between two compliant electrodes. When a voltage is supplied charges of opposite signs accumulate on the electrodes, which causes the membrane thickness to decrease and the surface area to increase. (B) Applying the operation principle of DEAs to mechanically insult cells with a uniaxial stress and high strain rate. This is achieved by applying an anisotropic prestrain to the membrane, which leads to a directional actuation strain. Our device consists of this prestressed membrane on a frame with two sets of compliant electrodes defining the actuation zone. The pericyte cells are cultured in the active zone, where they are stretched and injured when a voltage is applied. The center of the device that is not covered by the electrodes is transparent, which enables observation of the assay under a microscope. (C) Final Complete CID with individual components labeled.