Multi-scale modeling of cellular mechanics

There is increasing evidence which suggests that a link may exist between the intrinsic mechanical properties of cells and certain disease states.  For instance, it is thought that the biomechanical properties of osteoblasts (bone –forming cells) change as a function of age, and this change could be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Yet, elucidation of the relationship between the biomechanical properties of cells and disease states is still in its infancy, and the current methods of measuring the mechanical properties of cells (AFM, tensile testing) are not suitable for addressing many cells at one time.  Therefore, a systematic platform for studying the mechanical compliance of various cell types, such as osteoblasts, fibroblasts, neurons and lung epithelial cells is of great interest for researchers investigating the pathophysiology of various diseases and the investigation of effective treatments.

 

The focus of our project, therefore, will be to build a BioMEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) device that will have built in capabilities for cell positioning and for the reliable measurement of the mechanical compliance of biological cells to aid in this important area of research.  Our interdisciplinary project is a collaborative effort between Svetlana Tatic-Lucic (Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering; BioMEMS device design and fabrication), Susan Perry (Bioengineering; cell culture), Arkady Voloshin (Mechanical Engineering, biomechanics) and Sudhakar Neti (Mechanical Engineering, dielectric positioning).