Dynamic actuation and sensing micro-device for mechanical response of cultured adhesive cells

Abstract

As one of the cellular responses to external mechanical stimulation, it is presumable that the cell adjusts the cytoskeletal mechanical strength globally as well as locally. However, the methodologies to validate this hypothesis are extremely limited and expensive. In this study, a new micro device, utilizing dynamic response of a piezoelectric vibrator, is developed, which works not only to evaluate local mechanical property, but also to enforce local mechanical stimulation onto cultured living adhesive cells. Experimental studies have been carried out by applying actin (the major component of cytoskeleton) polymerization inhibitor, cytochalasin D, to normal human osteoblast. The studies show the present device's sensing capability to detect changes of mechanical property, induced by external mechanical stimulation, of cultured normal human osteoblast. Also, the method shows that the cellular response against static and dynamic mechanical stimulation differs depending on the condition of actin cytoskeleton.

Microsystems for cellular force measurement: a review

“…The microforce sensors on micropost arrays have therefore served as actuators and sensors simultaneously on one chip. The integrative approach for active force probing was to include functional sensing and actuation elements onto the chip [114]. Advances in microfabrication techniques permit the application of mechanical stretching to single cells or a small population of cells with enhanced control of forces and displacements [115,116].…”

A Novel In Vitro Simulator to Investigate Promotion of Reconstruction of Damaged Neuronal Cell Colony Differentiated from iPS Cells with the Aid of Micro Dynamic Stimulation

“…Several studies have reported that well-controlled dynamic stimulations are able to promote abilities of cell proliferation, growth and recovery from damage [12][13][14][15][16][17]. Likewise, the appropriate mechanical stimulations may have the potential to raise the efficiency and speed of the differentiation of the iPS cells into the objective cells.…”

Magnetically-controllable zigzag structures as cell microgripper

“…A review article by Fujita in 1994 highlighted the importance of applying micro machines to manipulate microorganisms or biomolecules. 1 There have been numerous designs proposed for bio-grippers, whose actuating mechanism includes thermal, 2,3 static electric, 4 piezoelectric, 5 direct mechanical contact approaches, 6,7 and so on. However, thermal and static electric actuation methods might damage the bio-specimen with its thermal and electrical power; using piezoelectric material the converting efficiency needs to be taken into consideration; and using the direct mechanical contact method it is hard to accurately control over micro-scale movement.…”