(582l) Mechanical Phenotyping of Tumor Cells Using a Multiplexed Microfluidic Cell Squeezer Device

Studies have indicated that highly aggressive cancer cells have distinct mechanical properties compared with benign and less aggressive cells. We are investigating the potential of cell mechanics as a biophysical marker for cancer diagnosis. To establish the significance of mechanical properties for cancer diagnosis, a high throughput method is desired. Although techniques such as atomic force microscopy are very precise, they are limited in throughput for cellular mechanical property measurements. 

To develop a device for high throughput mechanical characterization of tumor cells, we have fabricated a microfludic cell squeezer device that contains multiple multiplexed micrometer-scale pores. Fluid flow is used to drive cells into these pores mimicking the flow-induced passage of circulating tumor cells through the vasculature. By integrating high resolution imaging, the device allows for the characterization of cell sizes and passage times through the squeezer. We have tested highly and lowly invasive prostate cancer cell lines, and have found that the passage times are capable of differentiating between cell lines with differing invasiveness. We will additionally report on the capability of our device to perform rheological measurements by testing simple model systems including viscous and viscoelastic drops and soft elastic particles.