MEMS-Based Microballoons Achieving Multidirectional Large-Strain for Cell Mechanics Studies

The influence of mechanical stresses on cells has been a topic of special interest [1]. Attention is being focused on the cell-to-cell and cell-to-surrounding interactions and the mechanical stimuli that could be directly linked with functional adaption and pathological conditions of each cell or cluster of cells [2]. The aim of this research is to understand the biomechanical roles of cellular junctions on epithelial cells, exposed to a large multidirectional and uniform strain, using a microballoon (MB) platform. Quantitative measurement on strain values can be used to determine the necessary strains at which intercellular and cell-to-substrate connections are disassembled. This will provide information for characterizing cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate adhesions during biological development and/or diseases.