Cellular nanomechanics

Abstract

Numerous nanomechanics applications of nanotechnology have been developed to understand mechanobiology of living cells and probe their unique mechanical properties in health and disease. In addition, since biological materials exhibit such a wide spectrum of properties, they offer new concepts for nonbiological biomimetic applications. In this chapter, the biomechanical properties of a cell and its subcellular compartments are described. First, a qualitative picture is presented of the relevant building blocks: the cytoskeleton, cell membrane, nucleus, adhesive complexes, and motor proteins. Next, the various methods used to probe cellular and subcellular mechanics are described, and some of the quantitative results presented. These measurements are then discussed in the context of several theories and computational methods that have been proposed to help interpret the measurements and provide nanomechanical insight into their origin. Finally, current understanding is summarized in the context of directions for future research.