Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 January 2012
This paper describes the implementation of a custom-made bio-microelectromechanical system for determining mechanical properties of biological cells, which is used for the measurement of mechanical properties of fibroblasts. Our system consists of several subcomponents: (a) actuator which deforms the cell in pre-determined, step-wise fashion, (b) force sensor that measures force applied onto the cell, (c) set of dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrodes for positioning cells in the desired position, (d) temperature sensors and (e) heater. Preliminary results of the mechanical properties of NIH3T3 cells have been determined using this tool and our cell compression techniques.