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A uniaxial bioMEMS device for quantitative force-displacement measurements
David B Serrell1, Tammy L Oreskovic, Andrew J Slifka
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, USA. serrell@colorado.edu
Biomedical Microdevices
|December 26, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bioMEMS device for single-cell mechanical studies. This device measures cellular force responses while applying strain, enabling simultaneous imaging and force quantification.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cellular Mechanics
- BioMEMS
Background:
- Simultaneous imaging of cellular cytoskeletal components and quantitative force measurements on single cells are needed.
- Current experimental techniques lack the ability to perform both functions concurrently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel bioMEMS device for applying strain to single cells.
- To simultaneously quantify the force response of single adherent cells in vitro.
Main Methods:
- A displacement-controlled uniaxial tensile machine-like bioMEMS device was designed and fabricated.
- The device was calibrated using an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) cantilever.
- The device was demonstrated on a single fibroblast cell.
Main Results:
- The bioMEMS device demonstrated excellent agreement with the calculated spring constant during AFM calibration.
- The device successfully applied strain and measured the force response of a single fibroblast.
- A linear force response was observed until cell de-adhesion, which occurred at approximately 1500 nN.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioMEMS device is a viable tool for in vitro mechanical studies of single adherent cells.
- The device enables simultaneous strain application and quantitative force measurement.
- This technology facilitates the study of cellular biomechanics and de-adhesion forces.
