Cellular and Sub-Cellular Mechanics: Measurement of Material Properties

Abstract

The study of biological mechanics is an interdisciplinary endeavor which will generate improved understanding of the health and functions of living organisms. Tangible benefits may be realized is areas such as diagnostic testing and regenerative medicine. This article provides an overview of mechanical properties measurements for cells, and for smaller bioparticles and molecules. These entities are the structural building blocks of biological matter. The focus is on measurement of material properties such as elastic moduli and viscoelasticity. Theoretical models for these material properties are first summarized, then experimental techniques are recounted. The most established techniques have been widely applied to cells, and examples of experimental results are presented for both healthy and diseased cells. For submicron particles, measurement methods are less well established, which suggests that there are many opportunities for researchers interested in (for example) proteins, DNA, and extracellular vesicles.