A practical single cell analysis method for mechanical characterization of cancer cells

This study presents a practical method to perform mechanical characterization of cells using Silicon Nano Tweezers (SNT). Integrated with a microfluidic device, SNT tips were inserted in a channel via a side opening. Cells to be characterized were injected to an inlet of the microfluidic channel and withdrawn by a vacuum pump connected to an outlet. Mechanical properties of a cell, e.g. diameter, stiffness and viscous losses, were analyzed after capturing between the SNT tips (a sensing tip and a compressing tip). After characterization, the captured cell was released to capture another cell. Repeated capturing and characterization steps allow us to test several cells and distinguish fixed and live SUM-159-PT cancer cells based on their mechanical properties.