Simultaneous electrical and mechanical characterization of single cells by an integrated device

The mechanical properties of cells have been suggested as alternative biomarkers; however, there is no practical high-throughput and high information content measurement technique applicable for non-adherent cells. To address this problem, we propose a MEMS-based device with an embedded microfluidic channel. Cells flow inside the channel individually and position directly at a sensing area. Then, developed LabVIEW program applies compression cycles to the cell and detects the mechanical properties of the cell in real-time. At the same time, the electrical measurements are performed. Due to direct measurements, we can simplify the experimental setup and improve the throughput compared to the conventional high information content techniques, e.g. AFM. This technique leads to a promising alternative way to identify non-adherent rare cells, e.g. circulating tumor cells and cancer stem cells.