The mechanical properties of cells, such as cell stiffness, are important biomarkers in both clinical and fundamental biological studies. Indeed, under some scenarios, like fibrosis or cellular permeability, the mechanical stiffness of monolayers is a direct measurement of the functional output. Despite the importance of cell and extracellular matrix stiffness in mechanobiology, there are relatively few techniques available with the temporal resolution for basic research, or the throughput required for clinical applications. A key limitation with current technologies is that they rely on expensive optical equipment, lowering throughput, or offer indirect measurements of force, such as calcium labeling. Here, we describe a new technique for monitoring the properties of cellular monolayers within an elastic, microfluidic channel. This technique is based on the elastohydrodynamic deformation of microfluidic channels, as measured by piezoresistive graphene strain sensors. We demonstrate how the viscoelastic response of a monolayer to a perturbation offers a method to extract mechanical properties, even during dynamic processes like trypsinization. We discuss our validation of elastohydrodynamic phenomena and our work in using the platform to develop a disease model of fibrosis.

Direct and <i>in situ</i> monitoring of cellular stiffness in microfluidic disease models

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Direct and in situ monitoring of cellular stiffness in microfluidic disease models