Deformation Characteristics of Cultured Single Viable Cells by Squeezing Tests

抄録

Mechanical/rheological properties of single viable cells were investigated by squeezing tests. Human oral keratinocytes were harvested from oral mucosa tissue sample, grown in a culture medium with two different calcium ion concentrations. The cells were squeezed between a convex lens and a flat plate until reaching the crushed state. The extension ratio, determined by the diameter at destruction relative to the initial diameter, was evaluated, and cell destruction patterns were classified. The extension of cells was reduced when they were cultured in the culture medium with a higher calcium ion concentration. The cell destruction patterns observed were classified into two types corresponding to the membrane rupture style. Our results indicated that cells cultured with a higher calcium ion concentration typically show a destruction pattern characterized by cell surface rupture at several parts. Moreover, the incidence ratio of the destruction patterns was highly correlated with the extension ratio of the cells.