Finite Element Modelling of Single Cell Based on Atomic Force Microscope Indentation Method

Area of Science:

• Cellular biomechanics
• Biophysics
• Cancer cell mechanics

Background:

• Cell stiffness is a critical mechanical property linked to cancer cell functions like metastasis.
• Quantifying single-cell stiffness is challenging due to low survival rates and measurement uncertainties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate finite element method (FEM) models for predicting single cancer cell stiffness.
• To investigate the contribution of cellular components, specifically intermediate filaments (IFs) and cytoskeleton (CSK), to overall cell stiffness.
• To analyze the influence of material properties on cellular mechanical responses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation to obtain cell topography for FEM model geometry.
• Developed two novel FEM models to simulate cell deformation and predict stiffness.
• Validated FEM models against experimental data to ensure accuracy.

Main Results:

• Cancer cell stiffness exhibits significant positional variations.
• Intermediate filaments (IFs) have a minor contribution to overall stiffness (<10% strain) but facilitate force transfer.
• The cytoskeleton (CSK) is identified as the primary determinant of cell mechanical properties.
• Cellular continuum thickness and elasticity significantly influence stiffness; Poisson's ratio has minimal impact.

Conclusions:

• The developed FEM models accurately quantify cellular stiffness and component contributions.
• Findings highlight the dominant role of the cytoskeleton in cell mechanics.
• Provides insights into cellular responses to mechanical stimuli and cancer biomechanics.