title: Dynamic monitoring of cell mechanical properties using profile microindentation.
abstract: We have developed a simple and relatively inexpensive system to visualize adherent cells in profile while measuring their mechanical properties using microindentation. The setup allows simultaneous control of cell microenvironment by introducing a micropipette for the delivery of soluble factors or other cell types. We validate this technique against atomic force microscopy measurements and, as a proof of concept, measure the viscoelastic properties of vascular endothelial cells in terms of an apparent stiffness and a dimensionless parameter that describes stress relaxation. Furthermore, we use this technique to monitor the time evolution of these mechanical properties as the cells' actin is depolymerized using cytochalasin-D.
authors: Hydrodynamics Laboratory (LadHyX), Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Guillou
authors: Hydrodynamics Laboratory (LadHyX), Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Babataheri
authors: Aix Marseille University, LAI UM 61, Marseille, F-13288, France.|Inserm, UMR_S 1067, Marseille, F-13288, France.|CNRS, UMR 7333, Marseille, F-13288, France.
authors: P-H
authors: PH
authors: Puech
authors: Hydrodynamics Laboratory (LadHyX), Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors: A I
authors: AI
authors: Barakat
authors: Hydrodynamics Laboratory (LadHyX), Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Husson
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment; D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D013499:Surface Properties