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Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation
Behrouz Aghajanloo1,2,3,4, Hanieh Hadady2, Fatemeh Ejeian5
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|June 17, 2024
Summary
Biomechanical properties of cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. Understanding these cell characteristics aids in developing advanced medical and biotechnological strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Biomechanical attributes serve as novel markers for cellular and subcellular fractions.
- Correlations between biomechanical factors and patient medical status are established.
- A comprehensive overview is lacking, hindering therapeutic strategy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive analysis of biomechanical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells and subcellular bioparticles.
- To review current techniques for cell and EV separation and their applications.
- To highlight the potential of biomechanical properties in medical and biotechnological advancements.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cell and extracellular vesicle (EV) dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics.
- Review of size-based separation techniques (e.g., microfiltration).
- Discussion of density gradient centrifugation and electrophoretic/electrostatic separation methods.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in cell size (e.g., platelets to circulating tumor cells) enable size-based separation.
- Relatively constant cellular density allows for density gradient centrifugation.
- Distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells offer therapeutic opportunities.
Conclusions:
- Biomechanical attributes provide a reliable means to characterize cells and EVs.
- Understanding these properties facilitates the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
- This review offers a holistic view of current techniques and future directions in cell-based therapies.
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