Dielectrophoretic characterization of dendritic cell deformability upon maturation

Anoop Menachery, Jiranuwat Sapudom, Abhishek Vembadi, Aseel Alatoom, Jeremy Teo, Mohammad A. Qasaimeh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We have developed a rapid technique for characterizing the biomechanical properties of dendritic cells using dielectrophoretic forces. It is widely recognized that maturing of dendritic cells modulates their stiffness and migration capabilities, which results in T-cell activation triggering the adaptive immune response. Therefore it is important to develop techniques for mechanophenotyping of immature and mature dendritic cells. The technique reported here utilizes nonuniform electric fields to exert a substantial force on the cells to induce cellular elongation for optical measurements. In addition, a large array of interdigitated electrodes allows multiple cells to be stretched simultaneously. Our results indicate a direct correlation between F-actin activity and deformability observed in dendritic cells, determined through mean fluorescence signal intensity of phalloidin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-36
Number of pages8
JournalBioTechniques
Volume70
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Actin
  • Biochip
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Deformability
  • Dendritic cells
  • Dielectrophoresis
  • Stretching
  • Actin Cytoskeleton
  • Dendritic Cells/cytology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Actins
  • Electrodes
  • Electricity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

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