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High throughput cell nanomechanics with mechanical imaging interferometry

Jason Reed1,4,6, Matthew Frank2, Joshua J Troke2, Joanna Schmit3, Sen Han3, Michael A Teitell2,4,5,6 and James K Gimzewski1,4,6

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The dynamic nanomechanical properties of a large number of cells (up to hundreds), measured in parallel with high throughput, are reported. Using NIH 3T3 and HEK 293T fibroblasts and actin depolymerizing drugs, we use a novel nanotechnology to quantify the local viscoelastic properties with applied forces of 20 pN–20 nN, a spatial resolution of <20 nm, and a mechanical dynamic range of several Pa up to ~200 kPa. Our approach utilizes imaging interferometry in combination with reflective, magnetic probes attached to cells. These results indicate that mechanical imaging interferometry is a sensitive and scalable technology for measuring the nanomechanical properties of large arrays of live cells in fluid.


PACS

87.85.Qr Nanotechnologies-design

87.19.R- Mechanical and electrical properties of tissues and organs

87.17.-d Cell processes

07.60.Ly Interferometers

87.63.L- Visual imaging

Subjects

Instrumentation and measurement

Medical physics

Biological physics

Dates

Issue 23 (11 June 2008)

Received 3 December 2007, in final form 7 February 2008

Published 6 May 2008



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