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Dynamic monitoring of cell mechanical properties using profile microindentation

L. Guillou, A. Babataheri, P.-H. Puech, A. I. Barakat, and J. Husson

Scientific Reports 6, 21529 (2016) [Accès à la revue]


We have developed a system to visualize adherent cells in profile while measuring their mechanical properties using microindentation. We can simultaneously control the cell microenvironment by introducing a micropipette for the delivery of soluble factors or other cell types. This technique can be used to monitor cell mechanical properties and their time evolution as the cell is subjected to external stimuli.


Abstract: We have developed a simple and relatively inexpensive system to visualize adherent cells in profile while measuring their mechanical properties using microindentation. The setup allows simultaneous control of cell microenvironment by introducing a micropipette for the delivery of soluble factors or other cell types. We validate this technique against atomic force microscopy measurements and, as a proof of concept, measure the viscoelastic properties of vascular endothelial cells in terms of an apparent stiffness and a dimensionless parameter that describes stress relaxation. Furthermore, we use this technique to monitor the time evolution of these mechanical properties as the cells’ actin is depolymerized using cytochalasin-D.


Thème : Mécanique cellulaire

Equipe : Génie Cellulaire et Cardiovasculaire (LadHyX)