MEMS based force sensors for the study of indentation response of single living cells

This paper presents bio-microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) force sensors, consisting of a probe and flexible beams, to study mechanobiological response of single living cells subjected to mechanical injury. Mechanical injuries are simulated by the application of large indentation on the cells by the sensor probe. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) technique is used to visualize the evolution of the actin network in the cells. The lateral indentation force response measurement capability of the sensors is shown. The cell force response is strongly linear for the initial indentation stage and the cells become yielded due to further indentation, which were not observed before. Two new types of remodeling, large buckling of stress fibers and actin agglomeration, in the actin network in a cell due to mechanical stimuli are also reported.