Cytoskeletal networks in an epithelial sheet: mechanical characterization using composite diaphragm inflation

J.C Selby; S.A Boppart; M.A Shannon

doi:10.1109/MMB.2005.1548425

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Conference proceeding

Cytoskeletal networks in an epithelial sheet: mechanical characterization using composite diaphragm inflation

J.C Selby, S.A Boppart and M.A Shannon

2005 3rd IEEE/EMBS Special Topic Conference on Microtechnology in Medicine and Biology, Vol.2005, pp.200-200

2005

DOI: 10.1109/MMB.2005.1548425

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Abstract

A new experimental methodology combining concepts of classical mechanical testing with basic microfabrication techniques has been developed to investigate the mechanical architecture of cytoskeletal networks and anchoring junctions within a monolayer of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) before, during, and after the in vitro formation of an epithelial sheet. Referred to as composite diaphragm inflation (CDI), the method resembles a microscale model of a classical axisymmetric biaxial membrane inflation experiment. CDI utilizes a free-standing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer membrane as a substrate for the culture of NHEKs into an epithelial sheet via calcium induction of cytoskeletal network reorganization and anchoring junction assembly. Together, the NHEK monolayer and the PDMS membrane form a composite diaphragm suitable for mechanical measurements. If the geometry and elastic properties of the PDMS membrane are scaled appropriately, then the prestress and apparent stiffness of the NHEK layer can be characterized by measured deviations in the load-displacement behavior of the composite diaphragm with respect to the behavior of the PDMS membrane measured prior to cell culture.

Cytoskeleton

Industrial Engineering

Immune System

anchoring junctions

Calcium

Humans

cell mechanics

Switches

Epidermis

Educational institutions

Extracellular

Biomembranes

Assembly

Details

Title: Subtitle: Cytoskeletal networks in an epithelial sheet: mechanical characterization using composite diaphragm inflation
Creators: J.C Selby - Dept. of Mech. & Ind. Eng., Illinois Univ., Urbana, IL, USA
S.A Boppart
M.A Shannon
Resource Type: Conference proceeding
Publication Details: 2005 3rd IEEE/EMBS Special Topic Conference on Microtechnology in Medicine and Biology, Vol.2005, pp.200-200
DOI: 10.1109/MMB.2005.1548425
Publisher: IEEE
Language: English
Date published: 2005
Academic Unit: Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Dermatology
Record Identifier: 9984025691702771

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