Experimental and theoretical investigation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia cell's viscoelastic contact mechanics using atomic force microscope

Abstract

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer usually appearing in old age. In this research, a method for detecting CLL cells in young age through the analysis of geometrical and mechanical properties of human Leukocytes has been presented. For this purpose, the CLL cells are cultured and their geometric characteristics, adhesion force, and contact behavior have been examined using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) device. Subsequently, the obtained experimental results have been compared with the geometric and mechanical properties of Leukocytes. Furthermore, the manipulation process has been mathematically modeled using different adhesive and non-adhesive contact theories. The results showed that blood cancer cells have up to 8.17% smaller dimensions and up to 23.57% greater elastic modulus compared to leukocytes.