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Published on: July 14, 2022
Measuring the mechanical properties of cells using acoustic microscopy
Eric M Strohm1, Michael C Kolios
1Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Time resolved acoustic microscopy non-invasively measured mechanical properties of MCF7 breast cancer cells. This technique offers a new way to study cell mechanics, revealing properties slightly higher than their surrounding medium.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding the mechanical properties of cancer cells is crucial for diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
- Non-invasive techniques are needed to study cellular mechanics without altering cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel technique for non-invasively measuring the mechanical properties of MCF7 breast cancer cells.
- To validate the technique using a well-characterized material.
Main Methods:
- Time resolved acoustic microscopy (TRAM) was employed at 375 MHz.
- Ultrasound backscatter from cellular membranes and substrates was analyzed.
- Key mechanical properties including thickness, speed of sound, acoustic impedance, density, bulk modulus, and attenuation were calculated.
Main Results:
- The TRAM technique was validated against polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), showing excellent agreement (within 4.5%).
- MCF7 breast cancer cells exhibited mechanical properties (speed of sound, acoustic impedance, density, bulk modulus) slightly higher than the surrounding medium.
Conclusions:
- Time resolved acoustic microscopy provides a viable non-invasive method for characterizing cellular mechanical properties.
- This technique can offer valuable insights into the biophysical differences between cancer cells and their environment.
