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Measuring Cell Viscoelastic Properties Using a Microfluidic Extensional Flow Device
Lionel Guillou1, Joanna B Dahl2, Jung-Ming G Lin3
1Hydrodynamics Laboratory, CNRS UMR7646, Department of Mechanics, École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France.
Biophysical Journal
|November 3, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a simple microfluidic device and analytical framework for measuring cell mechanical properties. It accurately quantifies cellular stiffness and fluidity, advancing cell biology and medical research.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Quantifying cellular mechanical properties is crucial in biology and medicine.
- Existing microfluidic tools offer high throughput but face challenges in parameter extraction due to confinement and inertial forces.
- Traditional single-cell rheological tools are less efficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple microfluidic platform for measuring cellular viscoelastic properties.
- To present a novel analytical framework for determining stiffness and fluidity from cell deformation measurements.
- To enable straightforward measurement of mechanical properties for cells and soft objects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microfluidic platform employing hydrodynamic forces at low Reynolds number and low confinement.
- Elongated single cells near the stagnation point of a planar extensional flow.
- Developed and applied an analytical framework to determine cellular viscoelastic properties.
Main Results:
- Validated the system using cross-linked dextran microparticles, showing agreement with prior data.
- Measured viscoelastic properties of 3T3 fibroblasts and glioblastoma tumor-initiating cells.
- Observed expected changes in elastic modulus in response to cytoskeletal modifying agents (cytochalasin D, paraformaldehyde).
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic platform and analytical model provide a straightforward method for measuring cell viscoelasticity.
- The system accurately captures changes in cellular mechanical properties.
- This approach has significant potential for advancing cell mechanics research in biology and medicine.
