| Author(s): |
David Serrell; Tammy L. Oreskovic; Andrew J. Slifka; Roop L. Mahajan; Dudley Finch; |
| Title: |
A Uniaxial BioMEMS Device for Quantitative Force-Displacement Measurements |
| Published: |
April 03, 2007 |
| Abstract: |
There is a need for experimental techniques that allow the simultaneous imaging of cellular cystoskeletal components with quantitative force measurements on single cells. A bioMEMS device has been developed for the application of strain to a single cell while simultaneously quantifying its force response. The prototype device presented here allows the mechanical study of a single, adherent cell in vitro. It works in a similar fashion to a displacement-controlled uniaxial tensile machine, and is calibrated using an AFM cantilever demonstrating excellent agreement with the theoretical spring constant. A single fibroblast is used here to illustrate how the device operates. The force response of the cell is seen to be linear until the onset of de-adhesion with the cell de-adhering from the cell platform at a force of approximately 1500 nN. |
| Citation: |
Biomedical Microdevices |
| Volume: |
9 |
| Pages: |
pp. 267 - 275 |
| Keywords: |
bioMEMS, cell mechanics, fibroblast |
| Research Areas: |
Biomaterials |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (669KB) |
