The TissueTractor, a device for applying large strains to tissues and cells for simultaneous high-resolution live cell microscopy.

Mechanical strain substantially influences tissue shape and function in various contexts, from embryonic development to disease progression. Disruptions in these processes can result in congenital abnormalities and short-circuit mechanotransduction pathways. Manipulating strain in live tissues is crucial for understanding its impact on cellular and subcellular activities. Existing tools, such as optogenetic modulation of strain, are limited to small strain over limited distance and durations. Here, we introduce a high-strain stretcher system, the TissueTractor, designed for high-resolution spatiotemporal imaging of live tissues, enabling strain application varying from 0% to over 150%. This system is needed to unravel the intricate connections between mechanical forces and developmental processes. We demonstrated the stretcher with Xenopus laevis organotypic explants, human umbilical endothelial cells, and mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes to highlight the stretcher's adaptability. These demonstrations underscore the potential of this stretcher to deepen our understanding of the mechanical cues governing tissue dynamics and morphogenesis.