Nanofiber grid and related methods
AssigneeCarnegie Mellon University
InventorsAmrinder Singh Nain, Bahareh Behkam
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for measuring single and multi-cell inside-out and/or outside-in forces on a nanofiber grid. Single and multi-cells are deposited on, or migrate onto the nanofiber grid where the cell or cells are in contact with at least one fiber of the nanofiber grid and forces generated by the cells are observed and measured using deflection sensing methods. Furthermore, analyte-testing platforms using the nanofiber grid are described herein. Also provided are methods and apparatus including automated analyte-testing platforms using the nanofiber grid.
Claims31
A method of measuring a cell force comprising:
- a. providing one or more cells on a nanofiber grid suspended in an aqueous medium or a hydrogel, wherein the nanofiber grid comprises a plurality of high aspect ratio fibers having diameters of between about 10 nm and 10 μm, wherein the fibers are formed into a crossed pattern having one or more intersections, and wherein the fibers are fused at the intersections of the crossed pattern, wherein at least one cell is in contact with a first fiber;
- b. measuring deflection of the first fiber in contact with the at least one cell;
- and
- c. calculating from the deflection of the first fiber a force applied to the fiber by the at least one cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.