The method to quantify cell elasticity based on the precise measurement of pressure inducing cell deformation in microfluidic channels

Abstract

The cell elasticity has attracted extensive research interests since it not only provides new insights into cell biology but also is an emerging mechanical marker for the diagnosis of some diseases. This paper reports the method for the precise measurement of mechanical properties of single cells deformed to a large extent using a novel microfluidic system integrated with a pressure feedback system and small particle separation unit. The particle separation system was employed to avoid the blockage of the cell deformation channel to enhance the measurement throughput. This system is of remarkable application potential in the precise evaluation of cell mechanical properties. In brief, this paper reports: • The manufacturing of the chip using standard soft lithography; • The methods to deform single cells in a microchannel and measure the relevant pressure drop using a pressure sensor connecting to the microfluidic chip; • Calculation of the mechanical properties including stiffness and fluidity of each cell based on a power-law rheology model describing the viscoelastic behaviors of cells; • Automatic and real-time measurement of the mechanical properties using video processing software.