400C: Force Transducers
The 400C series of force transducers is the next generation of our widely used 400A and B series. Advancements include new 2 and 4 channels versions of the amplifier for potential simultaneous measurements and new detachable cables for the sensor heads. This new series, like its B predecessor, has the sensitive signal processing circuitry in the transducer head itself. These new circuits allow any sensor head in the series to be plugged into the control electronics. Researchers can now purchase multiple heads to cover different force ranges, or as spares, and use them with a single controller. Other benefits of the new design are reduced noise, increased sensitivity, and greatly improved linearity.
The 400C series of isometric force transducers enables contractile measurements from a variety of muscle types and sizes and are designed to meet the needs of muscle researchers. Each model is capable of measuring force in both tension and compression. These transducers are more robust and have less compliance than typical semi-conductor strain gauges. Physiologists now have a reliable and more economical way to quickly measure the contractile properties of all muscle types and connective tissue.
There are seven models in the series with the most sensitive model featuring a resolution of 10nN (1 microgram). The range of models allows researchers to measure forces from individual cells, single fibers and whole muscle covering a force range from 0.5mN to 10N.
Researchers can confidently measure force with extremely low compliance (<5µm at full load), eliminating any significant length change in the sample. The design provides excellent thermal stability and minimal sensitivity to vibration and interference. It also provides reliability and ease-of-use without troublesome compensation and filtering techniques.
Models
Complete, ready-to-use force transducers designed for fast response, high resolution and low compliance measurement of mechanical properties, ranging from 0.5mN to 10N:
400C: 50mN
401C: 1mN
402C: 500mN
403C: 5mN
404C: 100mN
405C: 10mN
406C: 0.5mN
407C: 1000mN
408C: 5000mN
409C: 10000mN
Variants
Available Sensor Heads:
400C-HD: 50mN
401C-HD: 1mN
402C-HD: 500mN
403C-HD: 5mN
404C-HD: 100mN
405C-HD: 10mN
406C-HD: 0.5mN
407C-HD: 1000mN
408C-HD: 5000mN
409C-HD: 10000mN
Stories of Success
400A – Studying cancer cachexia in mouse models
CHALLENGE
In 2011 Dr. Theresa Guise and her colleague Dr. Andrew Marks approached Aurora Scientific seeking help in functionally characterizing muscle from their mouse tumor model. They were looking to assess the progression of muscle loss and weakness in these mice and investigate potential therapies.
Because the pathology in these mice was incredibly aggressive, many animals would need to be tested in a short period of time. This would necessitate the use of multiple rigs and a robust transducer that allowed for high throughput. Because Dr. Guise was only looking to perform basic isometric strength and fatigue measures, a dual-mode lever system would have been prohibitively expensive for its capabilities.
SOLUTION
Enter the Aurora Scientific 407A. As the transducer in the 400A series with the greatest force measurement capacity, it was suitable for making isometric force measurements in whole skeletal muscle from mouse. The unit is the most robust out of the whole 400A series, lessening the risk of accidental damage. The 407A was effectively paired with a modified 800A in-vitro muscle apparatus, as well as our 701C electrical stimulator and 615A DMC/DMA software.
RESULTS
The 407A transducer helped the labs of Dr. Guise and Dr. Marks to test many mouse models of cancer cachexia and performed so well that several more units were required in both labs to keep up with demand. Using the Aurora Scientific 407A, these researchers were ultimately able to determine the mechanisms and pathways that cause muscle weakness associated with various cancers. These results and many others were recently published in Nature Medicine.
Select References
- Hennequin, Yves et al. “Synthesizing microcapsules with controlled geometrical and mechanical properties with microfluidic double emulsion technology.” Langmuir (2009) DOI: 10.1021/la9004449
- Malisoux, Laurent et al. “Stretch-shortening cycle exercises: an effective training paradigm to enhance power output of human single muscle fibers.” Journal of Applied Physiology (2006) DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01027.2005
- Frontera, Walter R. et al. “Strength training in older women: early and late changes in whole muscle and single cells.” Muscle & Nerve (2003) DOI: 10.1002/mus.10480
- Krivickas, Lisa S., Ronan Walsh, and Anthony A. Amato. “Single muscle fiber contractile properties in adults with muscular dystrophy treated with MYO‐029.” Muscle & Nerve (2009) DOI: 10.1002/mus.21200
- Ng, Rainer et al. “Poloxamer 188 reduces the contraction-induced force decline in lumbrical muscles from mdx mice.” American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology (2008) DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00017.2008
- Frontera, Walter R. et al. “Muscle fiber size and function in elderly humans: a longitudinal study.” Journal of Applied Physiology (2008) DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90332.2008
- Deguise et al. “Motor transmission defects with sex differences in a new mouse model of mild spinal muscular atrophy” EBioMedicine (2020) DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102750
- Li, Chuan, Mark Ahearne, and Kuo-Kang Liu. “Micromechanical characterization of hydrogel-based contact lens.” International Journal of Modern Physics B (2010) DOI: 10.1142/S0217979210064046
- Ahearne, Mark et al. “Mechanical characterization of biomimetic membranes by micro-shaft poking.” Journal of The Royal Society Interface (2008) DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2008.0317
- Zucchetti et al. “Influence of external forces on actin-dependent T cell protrusions during immune synapse formation” Biology of the Cell (2021) DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000133
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Learn MoreSpecifications
| Force Specifications | 400C | 401C | 402C | 403C | 404C | 405C | 406C | 407C | 408C | 409C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Force [± mN] | 50.0 | 2.0 | 500.0 | 5.0 | 100.0 | 10.0 | 0.5 | 1,000.0 | 5,000.0 | 10,000.0 |
| Resolution [µN] | 5.0 | 0.2 | 50.0 | 0.5 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 0.05 | 100.0 | 500.0 | 1,000.0 |
| Scale Factor [mN/Volt±2%] | 5.0 | 0.2 | 50.0 | 0.5 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 0.05 | 100.0 | 500.0 | 1,000.0 |
| Step Response Time1 [millisecond] | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Head Zero Drift2 [µN/°C] | 25.0 | 10.0 | 250.0 | 2.5 | 50.0 | 5.0 | 0.25 | 500.0 | 2,500.0 | 5,000.0 |
| Resonant Frequency3 [Hz] | 2,000.0 | 750.0 | 4,000.0 | 600.0 | 2,000.0 | 600.0 | 100.0 | 4,000.0 | 10,000.0 | 10,000.0 |
| Compliance [µm/mN] | 0.1 | 2.5 | 0.01 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 8.5 | 0.01 | 0.001 | 0.001 |
| Maximum Overload Force4 [mN] | 250.0 | 10.0 | 2,500.0 | 25.0 | 250.0 | 25.0 | 2.5 | 2,500.0 | 25,000.0 | 25,000.0 |
| Signal Linearity5 [%] | 99 | |||||||||
| Hysteresis [% of full scale] | 0.05 | |||||||||
| Controller Gain Drift [%/°C] | 0.01 | |||||||||
1 = 1 to 99%; 2 = Controller at 20°C; 3 = -3dB point; 4 = In tension; 5 = Over full force range
| General Specifications | 400C | 401C | 402C | 403C | 404C | 405C | 406C | 407C | 408C | 409C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature [°C] | 10 to 30 | |||||||||
| Operating Humidity [%RH] | 10 to 80 (non-condensing) | |||||||||
| Power Required | 100, 120, 220, 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. available | |||||||||
| Power Consumption [W] | 20 | |||||||||
| Output Tube Length6 (L) [mm] | 7 | |||||||||
| Output Tube Dimension (ID/OD) [mm] | 0.5/0.9 | 0.6/0.9 | 0.5/0.9 | 0.6/0.9 | 0.99/1.89 | |||||
| Head Weight [g] | 105 | |||||||||
| Head Dimensions (2.86W x 7.11L x H) [cm] | 2.35 | 2.65 | 2.35 | 2.65 | ||||||
| Controller Weight [kg] | 2.75 | |||||||||
| Controller Dimensions [cm] | 21W (1/2 rack mount) x 25D x 9H (2U) | |||||||||
6 = Nominal length of output tube outside lid