Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Experimental and Data Analysis Workflow for Soft Matter Nanoindentation
Published on: January 18, 2022
Viscoelasticity of Native and Artificial Actin Cortices Assessed by Nanoindentation Experiments
Hanna Hubrich1, Ingo P Mey2, Bastian R Brückner1
1Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Göttingen 37077, Germany.
Abstract:
Cell cortices are responsible for the resilience and morphological dynamics of cells. Measuring their mechanical properties is impeded by contributions from other filament types, organelles, and the crowded cytoplasm. We established a versatile concept for the precise assessment of cortical viscoelasticity based on force cycle experiments paired with continuum mechanics. Apical cell membranes of confluent MDCK II cells were deposited on porous substrates and locally deformed. Force cycles could be described with a time-dependent area compressibility modulus obeying the same power law as employed for whole cells. The reduced fluidity of apical cell membranes compared to living cells could partially be restored by reactivating myosin motors. A comparison with artificial minimal actin cortices (MACs) reveals lower stiffness and higher fluidity attributed to missing cross-links in MACs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Actin
Strain and Elastic Modulus
Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
Studying the Cytoskeleton
Elastic Strain Energy for Shearing Stresses
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

