BioRakes
Sample Mounting System
The BioRakes sample mounting system is CellScale’s patented approach to soft tissue specimen mounting for demanding biomechanics workflows. BioRakes are designed for fast, consistent multi-point tissue attachment in tissues and biomaterials that are anisotropic, slippery, or prone to tearing at attachment sites. For labs running tissue biomechanics testing with a planar biaxial testing system, the BioRakes sample mounting system reduces setup variability and improves specimen-to-specimen repeatability.
Compatible with: BioTester, UniVert
When to choose the BioRakes sample mounting system: When you need fast, repeatable soft tissue specimen mounting with consistent multi-point tissue attachment.
At a Glance
Patented BioRakes sample mounting system for repeatable multi-point attachment in soft tissues and biomaterials
Electrochemically sharpened tungsten tines for reliable penetration across delicate and tougher specimens
Common base allows simultaneous puncture of all attachment points for repeatable tissue mounting
Multiple spacing options to match common specimen sizes, plus custom BioRakes for specialized geometries
Compatible with load cells up to 23 N for controlled tissue biomechanics testing loads
Why Use the BioRakes Sample Mounting System
Specimen mounting is often the limiting factor in tissue biomechanics testing, especially when tearing or slippage occurs at grips and attachment sites. The BioRakes sample mounting system addresses this by standardizing attachment spacing and reducing operator-dependent placement, which improves repeatable tissue mounting across a cohort.
BioRakes are often chosen when:
- You need consistent attachment spacing to support biaxial testing on a planar biaxial testing system (like the BioTester)
- Your lab wants faster setup with less trial-and-error during soft tissue specimen mounting
- You want multi-point tissue attachment to distribute load and reduce local stress concentrations
BioRake Mounting
Each BioRake set is permanently attached to a common base so all attachment points can be inserted simultaneously, helping deliver repeatable tissue mounting and consistent spacing across samples.
A typical mounting workflow:
- Position the specimen in the mounting area and align the intended attachment region
- Use the lift mechanism to raise the sample into place
- Apply controlled pressure to insert the BioRakes tines into the tissue
- Use imaging to confirm attachment spacing is consistent from sample to sample
Typical Workflows
The BioRakes sample mounting system is most often used when the test method is sensitive to mounting artifacts and repeatability. BioRakes support soft tissue specimen mounting for planar biaxial testing system experiments and can also be used in uniaxial configurations where multi-point attachment is preferred over conventional clamping.
On a planar biaxial testing system where consistent attachment spacing improves comparability across a cohort
Of soft tissues and biomaterials when multi-point attachment reduces slip and local tearing
Viscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing
Routines where repeatable attachment improves confidence in time-dependent curves
Holds where mounting consistency reduces variability in early transient behaviour
Hydrated & Temperature Controlled Testing
In PBS, saline, or media where stable mounting is needed throughout long protocols
Holds where distributed attachment helps maintain stable boundary conditions over time
BioRake Compatibility
Works with: BioTester and UniVert
BioRakes are supplied with all BioTester systems, and labs commonly order additional spacing options over time as specimen requirements evolve. The BioRakes sample mounting system is compatible with load cells up to 23 N, and multiple spacing options are available to match common specimen sizes.
For the UniVert, BioRakes can be used via BioRake Adapter Brackets. This enables the BioRakes sample mounting system on UniVert when your workflow benefits from multi-point tissue attachment and repeatable spacing.
Sizing Options
| Red | 0.7 mm spacing | ~3.5 to 5.0 mm specimens | 254 µm diameter | 1.4 mm puncture |
| Blue | 1.0 mm spacing | ~5.5 to 7.0 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 1.9 mm puncture |
| Purple | 1.3 mm spacing | ~7.0 to 9.5 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 1.9 mm puncture |
| Orange | 1.7 mm spacing | ~9.5 to 11 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 1.9 mm puncture |
| Green | 2.2 mm spacing | ~11 to 14 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 2.4 mm puncture |
| XL | 3.3 mm spacing * | ~17 to 23 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 2.4 mm puncture |
| XL | 4.9 mm spacing * | ~23 to 28 mm specimens | 305 µm diameter | 2.4 mm puncture |
- Requires larger configuration support. Custom BioRakes available for specialized geometries.
Research Applications Supported
BioRakes are most useful in tissue biomechanics testing where mounting repeatability matters for cohort studies and mechanobiology experiments. The BioRakes sample mounting system is commonly aligned with applications that use hydrated and temperature-controlled testing and planar biaxial testing system workflows.
FAQs
What are BioRakes used for?
BioRakes are used for soft tissue specimen mounting when consistent attachment spacing and fast setup are needed. The BioRakes sample mounting system supports repeatable tissue mounting for cohort studies and time-dependent protocols.
Are BioRakes only for planar biaxial testing?
Not only. BioRakes are mostly used with our BioTester biaxial testing system, but they can also support uniaxial tissue biomechanics testing when a multi-point attachment approach is preferred.
What makes BioRakes different from typical biaxial testing grips?
Traditional biaxial testing grips often rely on clamping or suturing approaches that can slip, tear, or vary across operators. BioRakes use electrochemically sharpened tines and a fixed base to standardize multi-point tissue attachment, improving repeatable tissue mounting.
Can BioRakes be used in hydrated testing?
Yes. BioRakes are commonly used in hydrated and temperature-controlled testing where samples remain in liquid throughout the protocol and stable attachment is required across long holds or cyclic routines.
Can I order different BioRakes sizes later?
Yes. BioTester systems include a set of BioRakes, and additional spacing options can be ordered as your specimen sizes or protocols change. Custom BioRakes are also available for specialized geometries.
