Scanning probe-based frequency-dependent microrheology of polymer gels and biological cells

Phys Rev Lett. 2000 Jul 24;85(4):880-3. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.880.

Abstract

A new scanning probe-based microrheology approach is used to quantify the frequency-dependent viscoelastic behavior of both fibroblast cells and polymer gels. The scanning probe shape was modified using polystyrene beads for a defined surface area nondestructively deforming the sample. An extended Hertz model is introduced to measure the frequency-dependent storage and loss moduli even for thin cell samples. Control measurements of the polyacrylamide gels compare well with conventional rheological data. The cells show a viscoelastic signature similar to in vitro actin gels.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Actins / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Cells / chemistry*
  • Elasticity
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microspheres
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polystyrenes
  • Rheology / methods*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Actins
  • Biopolymers
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • polyacrylamide gels