1. Three dimensional cell culture technique for dynamic simulation A transparent three dimensional cell culture modeling technique has been developed to apply realistic in vivo hemodynamic forces on cells. The model is sterilized and treated to allow cells (usually endothelial cells) to attach and grow. The model has embedded connectors to allow flow to be passed over the cells. The model is transparent and its mechanical properties can be altered. (A) Schematic representation of the experimental flow system. The closed-loop flow system used in this study consisted of the cell culture model(s), individual vented reservoirs, and a low-pulsatility 8-roller peristaltic pump (Ismatec, A-78002-34) coupled using biocompatible peroxide cured silicone tubing. All fittings and tubing were sterilized by autoclaving. (B) Illustration of the morphometric parameters calculated for each endothelial cell. Applications This technique can be used to study the response of cells to mechanical forces and/or to test drugs, therefore for use in biomedical research and biotechnology (e.g. protein production, pharmacology, cell preconditioning). Advantages The technique allows for any geometry to be reliably and repeatably created in a transparent silicone elastomer.

2. Publications Farcas MA, Rouleau L, Fraser R and Leask RL,(2009) The development of 3-D, in vitro, endothelial culture models for the study of coronary artery disease, Biomed Eng Online. Oct 28;8:30. Rossi J, Jonak P, Danielczak L, Tardif JC, Leask RL. (2010) Differential Response of Endothelial Cells to Simvastatin when Conditioned with Steady, Non-Reversing Pulsatile or Oscillating Shear Stress, Ann Biomed Eng. 2010 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print] Rouleau L, Farcas M, Tardif JC, Mongrain R, Leask RL (2010) Endothelial cell morphologic response to asymmetric stenosis hemodynamics: effects of spatial wall shear stress gradients J Biomech Eng. Aug;132(8):081013. Rouleau L, Rossi J, Leask RL. (2010) The response of human aortic endothelial cells in a stenotic hemodynamic environment: effect of duration, magnitude, and spatial gradients in wall shear stress, J Biomech Eng 2010 July;132(7):071015. Rossi J, Rouleau L, Tardif JC, Leask RL. (2010) Effect of simvastatin on Kruppel-like factor2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and thrombomodulin expression in endothelial cells under shear stress, Life Sci 2010 July 17;87(3-4):92-99. Rouleau L, Copland IB, Tardif JC, Mongrain R, Leask RL. (2010) Neutrophil Adhesion on Endothelial Cells in a Novel Asymmetric Stenosis Model: Effect of Wall Shear Stress Gradients, Ann Biomed Eng 2010 April 13. [Epub ahead of print] Rouleau L, Rossi J, Leask RL. (2010) Concentration and time effects of dextran exposure on endothelial cell viability, attachment, and inflammatory marker expression in vitro, Ann Biomed Eng 2010 April;38(4):1451-1462. The Lead Inventor Prof. Richard Leask is an Associate Professor and a William Dawson Scholar at McGill’s Department of Chemical Engineering and an associate researcher at the Montreal Heart Institute. He is an expert in hemodynamic, cardiovascular diseases and medical devices. He has published 60 scientific articles. He worked as a clinical pathology assistant (Department of Pathology, University of Toronto) before joining McGill. Katya Marc Office of Sponsored Research McGill University Tel: 514-398-3355 Email: katya.marc@mcgill.ca Reference code: ROI 10021 Opportunity: non-exclusive license or research contract