Impact of Mechanics in Disease Modeling
Mechanical properties significantly influence cellular behavior, shaping everything from single-cell dynamics to the intricacies of 3D in vitro disease models. These factors are equally critical in 2D models for grasping cellular interactions. Conventional techniques, like atomic force microscopy (AFM), often face drawbacks in accurately gauging these properties across biologically relevant scales. This white paper introduces Optics11 Life’s cutting-edge technology, engineered for precise mechanical testing across various scales and resolutions. It significantly aids research in both 2D and 3D in vitro disease models.
Advantages of Nanoindentation
Optics11 Life’s nanoindentation via optical interferometry marks a major advancement in studying mechanical properties of biological samples, crucial for disease models. Compared to AFM and rheometry, nanoindentation offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Area Measurement: It measures large areas, up to tens of cm², unlike the localized testing by AFM. This feature is vital for detailed characterization of large or varied samples.
- Superior Resolution: Offering high spatial resolution, it outperforms rheometry, which may miss local variations by focusing on bulk properties.
- Sample Diversity: This method is suitable for a wide range of samples, including cells, tissues, and biomaterials, enhancing its applicability in disease modeling.
- Scalable Probing: Nanoindentation examines properties across scales, from 1 to over 200 μm, allowing for both micro and macro-level analysis.
- Detecting Heterogeneity: Particularly useful for complex structures in 3D in vitro disease models, it identifies varying mechanical properties within a sample.
The mechanical attributes of cells, such as stiffness and viscoelasticity, are critical in regulating their functions and interactions within the extracellular matrix. Changes in these properties impact essential cellular processes like adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Grasping these elements is fundamental for advancing research in cell mechanics, particularly in disease models. Our white paper delves into precise measurement techniques and their influence on cellular behavior, focusing on disease models and nanoindentation. Download it now for a comprehensive exploration of state-of-the-art methods revolutionizing our understanding of cellular mechanics in disease modeling.
Our team offers detailed insights into our nanoindenters’ applications. These instruments are vital in cancer research and disease modeling. They excel in measuring matrix stiffness, a significant biomarker. This measurement is essential for tracking the progression of various cancers, which impact millions globally.
