An automated image analysis platform for the study of weakly -adhered cells

Details of the design and implementation an open-source platform for studying adhesion cells attached to solid substrata are provided. The hardware is based on a laser-cut flow channel connected programmable syringe pump. software automates all aspects rate profile, data acquisition image analysis. An example pelagic diatom Thalassiosira rotula adhered poly(dimethyl siloxane) surfaces procedure described enables shear be converted drag force arbitrary-shaped objects, utility study many cell species, especially ones that obviously non-spherical. It was determined 90% removed with application forces < 3×10?12 N, this value relatively independent incubation time surface. This result important understand how marine species interact polymer used in electrical insulator applications.