Muscle Physiology Products2024-03-13T14:09:18-04:00

Muscle Physiology Products

Aurora Scientific’s muscle physiology products are designed to test the force-length-velocity characteristics of all types of muscle ranging from myofibrils to dog hind limb muscle. Our muscle physiology instruments include dual-mode levers, length controllers, force transducers, stimulators, data acquisition hardware and software and experimental apparatus. All of our products are sold individually or in complete systems.  Select a product category or scroll to explore our solutions.

Complete Systems

Complete systems from Aurora Scientific include everything you require to generate scientific results.  Each system is comprised of specific test apparatus, matched with optimized controllers, levers or transducers that are required to perform the assay or measurement of interest on your sample of choice.  Complete systems are available for a wide range of samples, including single myofibrils, cells, fibers, whole muscle and whole animal. To this we include a data acquisition system, PC station and analysis software that best suites the tissue type and breadth of experiments being done.  Explore our complete muscle physiology systems below!

Controllers, Levers & Transducers

Aurora Scientific’s range of controllers, levers and transducers can be employed within a Complete System or as a stand-alone device. Integrated controllers provide a smaller footprint by combining the dual-mode lever system stimulator and USB data acquisition into a single box, perfect for portability and limited bench space. Aurora’s flagship dual-mode lever combines the power of a force transducer and length controller in a single motor, making dynamic contractions in whole skeletal muscle, whole animal or intact muscles possible with a single attachment point. For single cell, fiber or engineered constructs, where speed & resolution is needed for experiments such as kTR and force-velocity, we have our high-speed length controllers and isometric force transducers. Explore our solutions below.

Stimulators

Aurora Scientific’s stimulator is a high-powered, bi-phase stimulator designed to meet the specific needs of muscle researchers. Regardless of solution composition, electrode size or electrode spacing, the stimulator will deliver the power and flexibility you need for the most demanding of field stimulation protocols as well as the precision required for in-vivo nerve and muscle stimulation. Aurora’s stimulator is integrated into our Complete Systems that measure intact muscle tissue and can also be employed as a stand-alone instrument for electrophysiology and engineered tissues, among others. Click below to explore Aurora Scientific’s stimulators.

Test Apparatus

Specially designed and tailored for the muscle tissue being measured, Aurora Scientific test apparatus are engineered to integrate one of our lever systems, length controllers and/or force transducers in order to mount, bathe, visualize and mechanically test these tissues. Whether this be an automated bath to measure mechanics of single fibers, to a platform that measures whole animal hindlimb function in rodents and swine. These apparatus can integrate electrodes for intact tissue stimulation as well as precise temperature control for sensitive tissues and be microscope mountable for imaging of sarcomere length and calcium transients.  Explore Aurora Scientific’s test apparatus below!

Hardware & Software

Custom designed and written for Muscle Physiology, Function, and therapeutic/disease models, Aurora Scientific data acquisition and analysis hardware and software gives you everything you need to plan and execute the most demanding experiments. This equipment can be part of a complete system, consisting of a PC, A/D card, interface and custom software (Linux or Windows) best suited for the tissue type and breadth of experiments being done. In addition, stand-alone items such as software can be used to add to an existing rig, such as High-Speed Sarcomere Length (HVSL). Explore our data acquisition and analysis hardware and software below.

Fluorescence Solutions

The calcium fluorescence system from Aurora Scientific enables physiology researchers to easily measure ratiometric calcium along with tissue length, force and sarcomere length in a single-time stamped file. Powerful twitch-based software controls all instruments and collects and analyzes the data. The entire system can be automated to perform entire experiments in a repeatable fashion. The software and hardware can be configured to work with any indicator fluorophore (BCECF, Fluo-3/4, Fura-2, Indo-1) to easily control the light source for excitation and collect emissions through one or more PMTs. Click below to explore Aurora Scientific’s fluorescence solutions.

1200A: Isolated Muscle System for Mice

1200A: Isolated Muscle System for Mice

The 1200A isolated muscle test system is a leading solution for quantifying mechanical properties of isolated muscle from mice. This system is ideal for a number of limb muscles including the TA, EDL, Soleus, Gastroc and for diaphragm strips and smaller muscle samples.

Learn More
1205A: Isolated Muscle System for Rats

1205A: Isolated Muscle System for Rats

The 1205A isolated muscle test system is optimized for the study of mechanical properties of rat isolated muscle samples. Just like the 1200A, this system is ideal for a number of limb muscles such as TA, EDL, Soleus, Gastroc and for diaphragm strips and smaller muscle samples.

Learn More
1300A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Mice

1300A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Mice

The 3-in-1 Whole Animal System provides flexible and accurate measurement of rodent muscle properties in-situ, in-vivo and in-vitro.

Learn More
1305A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Rats

1305A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Rats

The 3-in-1 Whole Animal System delivers accurate and flexible measurement of rodent muscle properties in-situ, in-vivo and in-vitro. Ideal for live animal protocols, including injury and longitudinal studies, it evaluates the mechanical characteristics of intact muscle of rats, either isolated in-situ, with a footplate (in-vivo) or isolated in-vitro. Experimental setup, data collection and data analysis can all be done in a matter of minutes.

Learn More
1310A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Large Rodents & Small Animals

1310A: 3-in-1 Whole Animal System for Large Rodents & Small Animals

This flexible test system delivers accurate measurement of large rodent/small animal muscle properties in-situ, in-vivo, and in-vitro. This is ideal for live animal protocols including injury and longitudinal studies, allowing researchers to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of intact muscle of large rodents, either isolated in-situ, with a footplate (ex-vivo) or isolated in-vitro.

Learn More
1400A: Permeabilized Fiber System – Microscope Mountable

1400A: Permeabilized Fiber System – Microscope Mountable

The 1400A and 1410A Permeabilized Fiber Systems are designed to enhance experimental throughput and simplify complex permeabilized fiber experiments.

Learn More
1500A: Isolated Muscle System – Microscope Mountable

1500A: Isolated Muscle System – Microscope Mountable

The Isolated Muscle Systems (1500A, 1510A and 1530A) are highly integrated, turnkey systems providing physiology researchers a simple way to control and measure intact muscle and physiological small tissue samples.

Learn More
1600A: Permeabilized Myocyte System – Microscope Mountable

1600A: Permeabilized Myocyte System – Microscope Mountable

The 1600A Permeabilized Myocyte Test System is designed to simplify the complex testing of contractile properties of skinned myocytes.

Learn More
1700A: Myofibril System – Microscope Mountable

1700A: Myofibril System – Microscope Mountable

The 1700A Myofibril System is the first commercially available myofibril system specifically designed to measure the nano Newton forces arising from activation of single myofibrils.

Learn More
150A: Integrated Muscle Test Controller

150A: Integrated Muscle Test Controller

The 150A Integrated Muscle Test Controller is a new family of integrated instruments which combine a standard Aurora Scientific 300C Series Dual-Mode Lever System, 701C Stimulator and USB Data Acquisition hardware into one standard-sized enclosure.

Learn More
300E: Dual-Mode Muscle Levers

300E: Dual-Mode Muscle Levers

Seamless, flexible control of force and length, with the unique ability to measure one or both in a single and convenient lever system.

Learn More
315D/322D: High-Speed Length Controllers

315D/322D: High-Speed Length Controllers

The 315D/322D High-Speed Length Controllers give physiologists the ability to control and measure length of single cells, fibers and whole muscle with ease.

Learn More
400C: Force Transducers

400C: Force Transducers

The 400C series of force transducers is the next generation of our widely used 400A and 400B series. The 400C series enables contractile measurements from a variety of muscle types and sizes and are designed to meet the needs of muscle researchers.

Learn More
Electrical Stimulation

Our high-powered, bi-phase stimulator designed for muscle researchers conducting the most demanding field stimulation protocols.

Learn More

800C: in-vitro Muscle Apparatus

800C: in-vitro Muscle Apparatus

Flexible design makes these systems the ideal choice for measuring muscle properties of intact muscle tissue in mice and rats

Learn More
801C: Small Intact Muscle Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

801C: Small Intact Muscle Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

Highly integrated apparatus, optimally designed to test small, intact muscle contractility

Learn More
802D: Permeabilized Fiber Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

802D: Permeabilized Fiber Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

A multi-well automated test system for quick and accurate measurement of permeabilized fiber dynamics

Learn More
803B: Permeabilized Myocyte Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

803B: Permeabilized Myocyte Apparatus – Microscope Mountable

Innovative 8–well plate designed for quick cell attachment and measurement of myocyte mechanical properties

Learn More
804A: Permeabilized Fiber ATPase Apparatus

804A: Permeabilized Fiber ATPase Apparatus

The 804A ATPase apparatus was designed to enable physiology researchers to measure consumption of ATP along with contractile force and length changes of permeabilized fibers. The 804A works in conjunction with an Aurora Scientific model 315D or 322D high-speed length controller and an Aurora 400C series force transducer.

Learn More
806D: in-situ Rat Apparatus

806D: in-situ Rat Apparatus

A beautifully designed, innovative apparatus for measuring in vitro, in situ and in vivo muscle properties in rats

Learn More
807B: in-situ Large Rodent/Small Animal Apparatus

807B: in-situ Large Rodent/Small Animal Apparatus

Easily test in situ muscle tissue dynamics in large rodents and other small animals

Learn More
809C: in-situ Mouse Apparatus

809C: in-situ Mouse Apparatus

A beautifully designed, flexible apparatus for easily measuring in vitro, in situ and in vivo muscle properties in mice

Learn More
820A: Dual XYZ Motion Controller

820A: Dual XYZ Motion Controller

Closed loop control of motorized stages to easily perform complex micro positioning with stunning precision

Learn More
825A: Thermocouple Meter / TEC Controller

825A: Thermocouple Meter / TEC Controller

Thermometer and TEC Controller controls bath temperature from 0 to 40°C

Learn More
890A: in-situ Large Animal Apparatus

890A: in-situ Large Animal Apparatus

Easily test in situ muscle tissue dynamics in dogs, sheep, pigs and other large animals

Learn More
902A: Laser Diode Sarcomere Length

902A: Laser Diode Sarcomere Length

A simple, easy to use laser diode system designed for measuring sarcomere length in thicker muscle fibres

Learn More
600A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis System

600A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis System

The 600A Digital Controller serves to integrate components and provide the researcher control of system operations, data collection and signal analysis.

Learn More
604A | 604D | 604E: Data Acquisition Signal Interface

604A | 604D | 604E: Data Acquisition Signal Interface

The 604A A/D Interface was designed to enable physiology researchers to easily interface a Dual-Mode muscle lever, force transducer, high-speed length controller and stimulator to a National Instruments PC-based A/D card.

Learn More
605A: Dynamic Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis System

605A: Dynamic Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis System

Precise, custom software designed for real-time data acquisition, instrument control and data analysis with unique, integrative features. Includes force and SL control capability

Learn More
615A: Dynamic Muscle Control and Analysis Software

615A: Dynamic Muscle Control and Analysis Software

Dynamic Muscle Control and Analysis Software Suite handles experimental control, data collection and data analysis for muscle contractile experiments

Learn More
650A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis Software

650A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis Software

A precision, real-time controller and data acquisition system for Aurora Scientific apparatus and measurement devices

Learn More
901D: High-Speed Video Sarcomere Length

901D: High-Speed Video Sarcomere Length

A simple, turn-key system for measuring sarcomere spacing in isolated muscle preparations.

Learn More
950A: Calcium Fluorescence System

950A: Calcium Fluorescence System

The 950A calcium fluorescence system enables physiology researchers to easily measure intracellular calcium along with tissue length, force and sarcomere length.

Learn More
955A: FluoroTrack – Calcium Fluorescence Software

955A: FluoroTrack – Calcium Fluorescence Software

FluoroTrack is powerful, twitch-based, software that enables physiology researchers to easily measure intracellular calcium along with tissue length, force and sarcomere length.

Learn More

Content for the Muscle Physiologist

Tackling the Heart of the Issue: Advances in Cardiovascular Research

February 29th, 2024|Cardiovascular, Muscle Physiology, Publication Review|

February notably marks “Heart Month”, aiming to highlight the importance of cardiovascular health and its critical implications on our overall wellbeing. Tackling the heart of the issue, several cardiovascular studies stand out as key players within the preclinical research landscape. The following publication review covers recent advancements in the field, including a promising therapeutic drug candidate for heart failure as well as novel insights into the cardiovascular biology of Marfan syndrome and muscle contraction regulation.

Molecular Deep Dives in Force Production

February 6th, 2024|Muscle Physiology, Publication Review|

As we launch full force into 2024, studies exploring the molecular underpinnings of force production in mice have blazed the trail of functional muscular research. From calcium dynamics during muscle contraction, to muscle impairments in myotonic dystrophy, and the effects of running on muscle mass in a dystrophic mouse model, January's novel insights into muscle function and regulation have important implications on our understanding of muscle physiology and health.

Best of 2023: Across Countries and Applications

December 19th, 2023|Materials Science, Muscle Physiology, Olfaction & Plume Tracking, Publication Review|

2023 has proved to be a particularly fruitful year for scientific discovery, with a multitude of pioneering studies spanning continents and disciplines. From the intricate workings of muscle physiology in Switzerland to the nuanced understanding of migraine mechanisms in the USA, the discernment of mosquito olfactory processing in India, and the innovative strides in sustainable materials science in Germany and Austria, this year's research highlights embody the spirit of global collaboration and scientific ingenuity. We hope that, by highlighting the multitude of ways our instruments provide precise and reliable data, future and current researchers can draw inspiration for new and innovative ways to collaborate across borders.

Subscribe to Aurora Scientific to receive technology, applications and event news
Go to Top