disclosed is an apparatus and method for imparting to a living culture of cells biaxial mechanical forces which approximate the mechanical forces to which cells are subjected in vivo . the apparatus includes a displacement applicator which may be actuated to contact and stretch a membrane having a living cell culture mounted thereon . stretching of the membrane imparts biaxial mechanical forces to the cells . these forces may be uniformly applied to the cells , or they may be selectively non - uniformly applied .