Probing mechanical properties through acoustic impedance in cultured smooth muscle cells with cytoskeletal disruption using scanning acoustic microscopy

Abstract

Understanding the mechanical properties of cells is essential for elucidating their biological functions, such as migration, differentiation, and maintenance of tissue integrity. Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is a noninvasive and rapid method for exploring mechanical properties while preserving physiological conditions. In this study, we used SAM to investigate the effects of actin filaments (AFs) and microtubules (MTs) disruption on the acoustic impedance of cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The results showed that the disruption of AFs significantly reduced the acoustic impedance, suggesting a decrease in cell stiffness. In contrast, MT disruption had a minor effect. These results are consistent with previously reported mechanical tests of cells with disrupted AFs and MTs, suggesting that SAM could be a powerful tool for the noninvasive exploration of cell mechanics and highlighting the need for further research to enable broader application of this technique in cell mechanics research.