M2 Internship – Ultrasonic stimulation of cells

Biological tissues are complex, constantly evolving media capable of interacting with their environment. Their functions and internal structures can be modified at different scales by external physico-chemical stimuli. For example, bone tissue evolves throughout an individual’s life, adapting and repairing itself via a process known as bone remodeling. For several years now, a number of studies have been focusing on the potential of ultrasound stimulation to induce changes in biological tissue. The effects generated by ultrasonic waves can be constructive or destructive, depending on the frequency and power delivered: improved tissue healing, bone repair, treatment of cancer cells, hydric stress in plants, effects on algal cells or bacteria. However, the underlying mechanotransduction mechanisms (translation of mechanical stimuli into biological response) triggered by ultrasound stimulation remain poorly identified, and this lack of knowledge fuels controversy, such as for bone remodeling, preventing the development of efficient and optimized tools.

The development of relevant experimental and numerical models is essential to characterize and quantify mechanical stresses induced by ultrasound stimulation on cells and gain insight into this multi-scale, multi- physics problem. A low-intensity ultrasonic experimental device was developed and previously tested on bone cell cultures. The results are still partial, and there are still a number of technical issues to be resolved before the device can be used to its full potential, in the highly controlled conditions of a biological laboratory.

More informations on the link below.