title: Measurements of liposome biomechanical properties by combining line optical tweezers and dielectrophoresis.
abstract: Liposomes are well-known cell simulators and are currently studied as drug delivery systems, for a targeted delivery of higher drug concentrations, in specific cells. Novel biophotonic techniques for manipulation and characterization of liposomes have been developed; among which are optical tweezers. In our work, we demonstrate a novel use of line optical tweezers to manipulate and cause liposome deformations. Optical forces induce tension on liposomes, which are stretched along the line optical trap. The method of dielectrophoresis, combined with optical tweezers, was used to measure the exerted optical forces. As a consequence, in the case of reversible liposome deformations, the value of the shear and bending moduli of liposomes was calculated. We anticipate that the selective manipulation of liposomes will help us toward a better understanding of the cellular-liposome interactions. Studying the biomechanical properties of liposomes will provide an insight into the mechanical behavior of individual living cells, which have recently been implicated in many aspects of human physiology and patho-physiology. The biomechanical properties of cells (i.e. deformability, stiffness and elasticity) can be useful biomarkers for various disease processes and changes of the cell state.
authors.affiliation: a Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences , National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus , Athens , Greece and.
authors.forename: Ellas
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spyratou
authors.affiliation: a Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences , National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus , Athens , Greece and.
authors.forename: Efrosini
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cunaj
authors.affiliation: a Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences , National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus , Athens , Greece and.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tsigaridas
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy , University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Elena A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Mourelatou
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy , University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Demetzos
authors.affiliation: a Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences , National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus , Athens , Greece and.
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Serafetinides
authors.affiliation: a Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences , National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus , Athens , Greece and.
authors.forename: Mersini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Makropoulou
keywords: Biomechanical properties; cell models; line optical tweezers; liposomes