Microfabricated platforms to investigate cell mechanical properties

Amir M. Esfahani; Grayson Minnick; Jordan Rosenbohm; Haiwei Zhai; Xiaowei Jin; Bahareh Tajvidi Safa; Justin Brooks; Ruiguo Yang

Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices (Mar 2022)

Microfabricated platforms to investigate cell mechanical properties

Amir M. Esfahani,
Grayson Minnick,
Jordan Rosenbohm,
Haiwei Zhai,
Xiaowei Jin,
Bahareh Tajvidi Safa,
Justin Brooks,
Ruiguo Yang

Affiliations

Amir M. Esfahani: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA; Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
Grayson Minnick: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Jordan Rosenbohm: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Haiwei Zhai: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Xiaowei Jin: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Bahareh Tajvidi Safa: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Justin Brooks: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA
Ruiguo Yang: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA; Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA; Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Corresponding author. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68516, USA.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13
p. 100107

Abstract

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Mechanical stimulation has been imposed on living cells using several approaches. Most early investigations were conducted on groups of cells, utilizing techniques such as substrate deformation and flow-induced shear. To investigate the properties of cells individually, many conventional techniques were utilized, such as AFM, optical traps/optical tweezers, magnetic beads, and micropipette aspiration. In specific mechanical interrogations, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) have been designed to probe single cells in different interrogation modes. To exert loads on the cells, these devices often comprise piezo-electric driven actuators that attach directly to the cell or move a structure on which cells are attached. Uniaxial and biaxial pullers, micropillars, and cantilever beams are examples of MEMS devices. In this review, the methodologies to analyze single cell activity under external loads using microfabricated devices will be examined. We will focus on the mechanical interrogation in three different regimes: compression, traction, and tension, and discuss different microfabricated platforms designed for these purposes.

Published in Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices

ISSN: 2590-0935 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General): Medical technology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/medicine-in-novel-technology-and-devices

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