Fundamental Investigation of Microrheological Measurement Technique for Obtaining the Elastic Modulus Distribution of the Extracellular Matrix

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a device for measuring the elastic modulus distribution within collagen gels simultaneously. The device utilized magnetic particles mixed within the gel and measured their displacement using a magnetic field. The experimental setup was constructed on a microscope stage, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple magnetic particles' displacements. The magnetic susceptibility of the particles was determined using fluid samples of different viscosities. The collagen gels were prepared by mixing collagen solution, concentrated medium, NaOH, and phosphate-buffered saline. The developed device successfully generated magnetic forces and observed the displacement of magnetic particles within the collagen gels. The results provided the volume magnetic susceptibility of the particles and the microviscosity of the gels. This device holds potential for obtaining three-dimensional displacement distributions and acquiring the elastic modulus distribution within collagen gels.