Cell deformability is a well-established marker of multiple cell states for phenotyping and classification purposes. However, the measurement of rheological/mechanical cell properties is often hindered by complex measurement systems and long experimental times. Here, we present a microfluidic approach, as a simple tool to rapidly deform cells in a highly controlled manner, based on tuneable compressive forces. In fact, by simply changing the fluid-flow conditions, we are able to induce variable compression levels at different timescales, depending on the cell line of interest. In particular, we demonstrate how cytoskeletal structures such as actin cortex and microtubule network cooperate to change the overall viscous content of cells. Starting from a completely label-free tracking of dynamic and morphological biophysical parameters, we are able to define inner cell viscosity changes related to actin cortex and microtubule network alterations. Thus, our microfluidic approach is a versatile and easy-to-use way to probe biomechanical cell properties starting from simple in-flow motion parameters.
In-flow viscoelastic compression to probe single-cell biomechanical properties / Maremonti, M. I.; Dannhauser, D.; Panzetta, V.; Netti, P. A.; Causa, F.. - (2023). (Intervento presentato al convegno 8th National Congress of Bioengineering, GNB 2023 tenutosi a ita nel 2023).
In-flow viscoelastic compression to probe single-cell biomechanical properties
Maremonti M. I.
;Dannhauser D.;Panzetta V.;Netti P. A.;
2023
Abstract
Cell deformability is a well-established marker of multiple cell states for phenotyping and classification purposes. However, the measurement of rheological/mechanical cell properties is often hindered by complex measurement systems and long experimental times. Here, we present a microfluidic approach, as a simple tool to rapidly deform cells in a highly controlled manner, based on tuneable compressive forces. In fact, by simply changing the fluid-flow conditions, we are able to induce variable compression levels at different timescales, depending on the cell line of interest. In particular, we demonstrate how cytoskeletal structures such as actin cortex and microtubule network cooperate to change the overall viscous content of cells. Starting from a completely label-free tracking of dynamic and morphological biophysical parameters, we are able to define inner cell viscosity changes related to actin cortex and microtubule network alterations. Thus, our microfluidic approach is a versatile and easy-to-use way to probe biomechanical cell properties starting from simple in-flow motion parameters.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
