The High Pressure Optical Cell (HPOC) for biophysical experimentation and industrial application has shown rapid growth for decades. Pressure studies provide a fundamental understanding in the structure and functional relationship of biological molecules. We propose a new type of HPOC that is activated with Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) device.  The SMA-activated HPOC will have significant contributions to biological research in at least three areas: biomedical, biophysical, and bio-hyperbaric research. Hydrostatic pressure is a unique and powerful tool for studying molecular recognition because hydrostatic pressure induces a volume change in the interfacial region where molecular recognition occurs, thus justifying the importance of HPOC experimentation. Window-type HPOCs such as the one designed by Paladini and Weber have provided biophysicists with a powerful tool for understanding the structure-function relationships of biological molecules. However, the conventional HPOC is only good for single solution testing and does not allow for quick mixing and stirring of additional components while the specimen is under pressure.

    To overcome these limitations, a unique HPOC apparatus was developed to effectively combine and mix multiple solutions while the chamber is under high pressure.  In this apparatus an SMA acts as an actuator to unplug an in-chamber stopper and effectively combine two solutions, while a magnetic stirrer quickly agitates the mixture.  In this design, we employ a specially made SMA spring which can provide enough shrinking force to unplug the stopper and with required SMA size and action temperature. A mini stir plate which can be installed in the limited space in pressure chamber was designed for solution agitation purpose. Complete testing of the new HPOC system to observe bio-reagent mixing and reaction under high pressure was conducted with satisfactory results.