1
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Bergamaschi G, Taris KKH, Biebricher AS, Seymonson XMR, Witt H, Peterman EJG, Wuite GJL. Viscoelasticity of diverse biological samples quantified by Acoustic Force Microrheology (AFMR). Commun Biol 2024; 7:683. [PMID: 38834871 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of soft matter and cellular mechanics, microrheology - the use of micron-sized particles to probe the frequency-dependent viscoelastic response of materials - is widely used to shed light onto the mechanics and dynamics of molecular structures. Here we present the implementation of active microrheology in an Acoustic Force Spectroscopy setup (AFMR), which combines multiplexing with the possibility of probing a wide range of forces ( ~ pN to ~nN) and frequencies (0.01-100 Hz). To demonstrate the potential of this approach, we perform active microrheology on biological samples of increasing complexity and stiffness: collagen gels, red blood cells (RBCs), and human fibroblasts, spanning a viscoelastic modulus range of five orders of magnitude. We show that AFMR can successfully quantify viscoelastic properties by probing many beads with high single-particle precision and reproducibility. Finally, we demonstrate that AFMR to map local sample heterogeneities as well as detect cellular responses to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bergamaschi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees-Karel H Taris
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas S Biebricher
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xamanie M R Seymonson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannes Witt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J G Peterman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Sun Y, Liu Y, Sun D, Liu K, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhang S. A facile single-cell patterning strategy based on harbor-like microwell microfluidics. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:045018. [PMID: 38772387 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad4e83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is an effective method for conducting comprehensive heterogeneity studies ranging from cell phenotype to gene expression. The ability to arrange different cells in a predetermined pattern at single-cell resolution has a wide range of applications in cell-based analysis and plays an important role in facilitating interdisciplinary research by researchers in various fields. Most existing microfluidic microwell chips is a simple and straightforward method, which typically use small-sized microwells to accommodate single cells. However, this method imposes certain limitations on cells of various sizes, and the single-cell capture efficiency is relatively low without the assistance of external forces. Moreover, the microwells limit the spatiotemporal resolution of reagent replacement, as well as cell-to-cell communication. In this study, we propose a new strategy to prepare a single-cell array on a planar microchannel based on microfluidic flip microwells chip platform with large apertures (50 μm), shallow channels (50 μm), and deep microwells (50 μm). The combination of three configuration characteristics contributes to multi-cell trapping and a single-cell array within microwells, while the subsequent chip flipping accomplishes the transfer of the single-cell array to the opposite planar microchannel for cells adherence and growth. Further assisted by protein coating of bovine serum albumin and fibronectin on different layers, the single-cell capture efficiency in microwells is achieved at 92.1% ± 1%, while ultimately 85% ± 3.4% on planar microchannel. To verify the microfluidic flip microwells chip platform, the real-time and heterogeneous study of calcium release and apoptosis behaviours of single cells is carried out. To our knowledge, this is the first time that high-efficiency single-cell acquisition has been accomplished using a circular-well chip design that combines shallow channel, large aperture and deep microwell together. The chip is effective in avoiding the shearing force of high flow rates on cells, and the large apertures better allows cells to sedimentation. Therefore, this strategy owns the advantages of easy preparation and user-friendliness, which is especially valuable for researchers from different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Sun
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongshu Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Signal Detection and Processing, School of Computer Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyan Li
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
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3
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Taris KKH, Kamsma D, Wuite GJL. Single-Cell Measurements Using Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS). Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2694:467-477. [PMID: 37824018 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3377-9_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule force spectroscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the forces and motions related to interactions of biological molecules. Acoustic force spectroscopy (AFS) is a developed measurement tool to study single molecules or cells making use of acoustic standing waves. AFS permits high experimental throughput because many individual molecules can be manipulated and tracked in parallel. Moreover, a wide range of forces can be applied as well as a force loading rate with range of six orders of magnitude. At the same time, AFS stands out because of its simplicity and the compactness of the experimental setup. Even though the AFS setup is simple, it can still be challenging to perform high-quality measurements. Here we describe, in detail, how to setup, perform, and analyze an AFS measurement to determine cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees-Karel H Taris
- LaserLaB Amsterdam and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe Kamsma
- LaserLaB Amsterdam and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- LUMICKS B.V, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- LaserLaB Amsterdam and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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4
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Scalvini B, Heling LWHJ, Sheikhhassani V, Sunderlikova V, Tans SJ, Mashaghi A. Cytosolic Interactome Protects Against Protein Unfolding in a Single Molecule Experiment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300105. [PMID: 37409427 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Single molecule techniques are particularly well suited for investigating the processes of protein folding and chaperone assistance. However, current assays provide only a limited perspective on the various ways in which the cellular environment can influence the folding pathway of a protein. In this study, a single molecule mechanical interrogation assay is developed and used to monitor protein unfolding and refolding within a cytosolic solution. This allows to test the cumulative topological effect of the cytoplasmic interactome on the folding process. The results reveal a stabilization against forced unfolding for partial folds, which are attributed to the protective effect of the cytoplasmic environment against unfolding and aggregation. This research opens the possibility of conducting single molecule molecular folding experiments in quasi-biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Scalvini
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
| | - Laurens W H J Heling
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
| | - Vahid Sheikhhassani
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sander J Tans
- AMOLF, Science Park 104, Amsterdam, 1098 XG, The Netherlands
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333CC, The Netherlands
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5
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Aubry G, Lee HJ, Lu H. Advances in Microfluidics: Technical Innovations and Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:444-467. [PMID: 36625114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Aubry
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hyun Jee Lee
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States.,Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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6
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Silvani G, Romanov V, Martinac B. Sounding a New Era in Biomechanics with Acoustic Force Spectroscopy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1436:109-118. [PMID: 36571699 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The acoustic force spectroscopy (AFS) tool was recently introduced as a novel tool for probing mechanical properties of biomolecules, expanding the application of sound waves to high-throughput quantification of the mechanical properties of single cells. By using controlled acoustic forces in the piconewton to nanonewton range, tens to hundreds of cells functionalized by attached microspheres can simultaneously be stretched and tracked in real-time with sub millisecond time response. Since its first application, several studies have demonstrated the potential and versatility of the AFS for high-throughput measurements of force-induced molecular mechanisms, revealing insight into cellular biomechanics and mechanobiology at the molecular level. In this chapter, we describe the operation of the AFS starting with the underlying physical principles, followed by a run-down of experimental considerations, and finally leading to applications in molecular and cellular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Silvani
- School of Material Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valentin Romanov
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Huang J, Zhang K, Du R, Liu W, Zhang H, Tian T, Wang Y, Wang G, Yin T. The Janus-faced role of Piezo1 in cardiovascular health under mechanical stimulation. Genes Dis 2022. [PMID: 37492728 PMCID: PMC10363580 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cardiovascular health problems are becoming more and more serious. At the same time, mechanical stimulation closely relates to cardiovascular health. In this context, Piezo1, which is very sensitive to mechanical stimulation, has attracted our attention. Here, we review the critical significance of Piezo1 in mechanical stimulation of endothelial cells, NO production, lipid metabolism, DNA damage protection, the development of new blood vessels and maturation, narrowing of blood vessels, blood pressure regulation, vascular permeability, insulin sensitivity, and maintenance of red blood cell function. Besides, Piezo1 may participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is worth noting that Piezo1 has dual effects on maintaining cardiovascular health. On the one hand, the function of Piezo1 is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health; on the other hand, under some extreme mechanical stimulation, the overexpression of Piezo1 may bring adverse factors such as inflammation. Therefore, this review discusses the Janus-faced role of Piezo1 in maintaining cardiovascular health and puts forward new ideas to provide references for gene therapy or nanoagents targeting Piezo1.
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8
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Weser R, Deng Z, Kondalkar VV, Darinskii AN, Cierpka C, Schmidt H, König J. Three-dimensional heating and patterning dynamics of particles in microscale acoustic tweezers. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2886-2901. [PMID: 35851398 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00200k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic tweezers facilitate a noninvasive, contactless, and label-free method for the precise manipulation of micro objects, including biological cells. Although cells are exposed to mechanical and thermal stress, acoustic tweezers are usually considered as biocompatible. Here, we present a holistic experimental approach to reveal the correlation between acoustic fields, acoustophoretic motion and heating effects of particles induced by an acoustic tweezer setup. The system is based on surface acoustic waves and was characterized by applying laser Doppler vibrometry, astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry and luminescence lifetime imaging. In situ measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution reveal a three-dimensional particle patterning coinciding with the experimentally assisted numerical result of the acoustic radiation force distribution. In addition, a considerable and rapid heating up to 55 °C depending on specific parameters was observed. Although these temperatures may be harmful to living cells, counter-measures can be found as the time scales of patterning and heating are shown to be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Weser
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, SAWLab Saxony, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Zhichao Deng
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany.
| | - Vijay V Kondalkar
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, SAWLab Saxony, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Alexandre N Darinskii
- Institute of Crystallography FSRC "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Christian Cierpka
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany.
| | - Hagen Schmidt
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, SAWLab Saxony, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Jörg König
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany.
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9
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Evers TMJ, Sheikhhassani V, Tang H, Haks MC, Ottenhoff THM, Mashaghi A. Single‐Cell Mechanical Characterization of Human Macrophages. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tom M. J. Evers
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Vahid Sheikhhassani
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Huaqi Tang
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle C. Haks
- Department of Infectious Diseases Leiden University Medical Center Albinusdreef 2 2333 ZA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Tom H. M. Ottenhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases Leiden University Medical Center Albinusdreef 2 2333 ZA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden The Netherlands
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10
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Wang H, Zhou F, Guo Y, Ju LA. Micropipette-based biomechanical nanotools on living cells. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2022; 51:119-133. [PMID: 35171346 PMCID: PMC8964576 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is an emerging field at the interface of biology and mechanics, investigating the roles of mechanical forces within biomolecules, organelles, cells, and tissues. As a highlight, the recent advances of micropipette-based aspiration assays and dynamic force spectroscopies such as biomembrane force probe (BFP) provide unprecedented mechanobiological insights with excellent live-cell compatibility. In their classic applications, these assays measure force-dependent ligand-receptor-binding kinetics, protein conformational changes, and cellular mechanical properties such as cortical tension and stiffness. In recent years, when combined with advanced microscopies in high spatial and temporal resolutions, these biomechanical nanotools enable characterization of receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing and subsequent organelle behaviors at single-cellular and molecular level. In this review, we summarize the latest developments of these assays for live-cell mechanobiology studies. We also provide perspectives on their future upgrades with multimodal integration and high-throughput capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fang Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuze Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. .,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia.
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11
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Single-cell analysis reveals chemokine-mediated differential regulation of monocyte mechanics. iScience 2022; 25:103555. [PMID: 34988399 PMCID: PMC8693412 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes continuously adapt their shapes for proper circulation and elicitation of effective immune responses. Although these functions depend on the cell mechanical properties, the mechanical behavior of monocytes is still poorly understood and accurate physiologically relevant data on basic mechanical properties are lacking almost entirely. By combining several complementary single-cell force spectroscopy techniques, we report that the mechanical properties of human monocyte are strain-rate dependent, and that chemokines can induce alterations in viscoelastic behavior. In addition, our findings indicate that human monocytes are heterogeneous mechanically and this heterogeneity is regulated by chemokine CCL2. The technology presented here can be readily used to reveal mechanical complexity of the blood cell population in disease conditions, where viscoelastic properties may serve as physical biomarkers for disease progression and response to therapy. Mechanical properties of monocytes are affected by temperature changes Mechanical properties of monocytes are strain-rate dependent CCL2 affects both the viscous and elastic properties of monocytes CCL2 potentially modulates monocytes mechanically to transit to a primed state
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12
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Emig R, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Timmermann V, Taberner AJ, Nash MP, Kohl P, Peyronnet R. Passive myocardial mechanical properties: meaning, measurement, models. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:587-610. [PMID: 34765043 PMCID: PMC8555034 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive mechanical tissue properties are major determinants of myocardial contraction and relaxation and, thus, shape cardiac function. Tightly regulated, dynamically adapting throughout life, and affecting a host of cellular functions, passive tissue mechanics also contribute to cardiac dysfunction. Development of treatments and early identification of diseases requires better spatio-temporal characterisation of tissue mechanical properties and their underlying mechanisms. With this understanding, key regulators may be identified, providing pathways with potential to control and limit pathological development. Methodologies and models used to assess and mimic tissue mechanical properties are diverse, and available data are in part mutually contradictory. In this review, we define important concepts useful for characterising passive mechanical tissue properties, and compare a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques that allow one to assess tissue mechanics. We give definitions of key terms, and summarise insight into determinants of myocardial stiffness in situ. We then provide an overview of common experimental models utilised to assess the role of environmental stiffness and composition, and its effects on cardiac cell and tissue function. Finally, promising future directions are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Emig
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum M. Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Timmermann
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Taberner
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martyn P. Nash
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Silvani G, Romanov V, Cox CD, Martinac B. Biomechanical Characterization of Endothelial Cells Exposed to Shear Stress Using Acoustic Force Spectroscopy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:612151. [PMID: 33614612 PMCID: PMC7891662 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.612151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing mechanical properties of cells is important for understanding many cellular processes, such as cell movement, shape, and growth, as well as adaptation to changing environments. In this study, we explore the mechanical properties of endothelial cells that form the biological barrier lining blood vessels, whose dysfunction leads to development of many cardiovascular disorders. Stiffness of living endothelial cells was determined by Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS), by pull parallel multiple functionalized microspheres located at the cell-cell periphery. The unique configuration of the acoustic microfluidic channel allowed us to develop a long-term dynamic culture protocol exposing cells to laminar flow for up to 48 h, with shear stresses in the physiological range (i.e., 6 dyn/cm2). Two different Endothelial cells lines, Human Aortic Endothelial Cells (HAECs) and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), were investigated to show the potential of this tool to capture the change in cellular mechanical properties during maturation of a confluent endothelial monolayer. Immunofluorescence microscopy was exploited to follow actin filament rearrangement and junction formation over time. For both cell types we found that the application of shear-stress promotes the typical phenotype of a mature endothelium expressing a linear pattern of VE-cadherin at the cell-cell border and actin filament rearrangement along the perimeter of Endothelial cells. A staircase-like sequence of increasing force steps, ranging from 186 pN to 3.5 nN, was then applied in a single measurement revealing the force-dependent apparent stiffness of the membrane cortex in the kPa range. We also found that beads attached to cells cultured under dynamic conditions were harder to displace than cells cultured under static conditions, showing a stiffer membrane cortex at cell periphery. All together these results demonstrate that the AFS can identify changes in cell mechanics based on force measurements of adherent cells under conditions mimicking their native microenvironment, thus revealing the shear stress dependence of the mechanical properties of neighboring endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Silvani
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Charles D. Cox
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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