Nanoenergy and Biosystem Lab

                Dynamic ultra-high-resolution single cell mechanic

The biggest challenge in investigating biomechanics is to characterize the mechanical property of a single cell. The cell traction force (CTF) is crucial for studying the single cell mechanics. It is closely relevant to many vital processes of life, such as embryonic development, stem cell differentiation, formation of blood vessels & nerves, wound healing and tumor metastasis.
In 2008, we carried out a study of single cell biomechanics using silicon nanowire arrays and measured cell traction force based on hard substrate. The cell traction forces among normal cells, malignant tumor and benign tumor cells were measured and compared. We also demonstrated that the cells traction force is closely related to cellularity, growth status and growth cycle of cell. (Nano Lett. 2009, 9, 10, 3575-3580; Sensors and Materials, 2015, 27, 11, 1071-1077; ACS Nano, 2015, 9, 3, 3143-3150; Nano Energy, 2018, 05, 057, 504-512).

                动态超高分辨率单细胞力学测量

　　对单细胞力学性能的研究一直是生物力学研究中最具有挑战性的方向，而细胞牵引力（Cell traction force，CTF）这种细胞内生力是单细胞生物力学研究的重点，与胚胎发育、干细胞分化、血管和神经形成、创伤修复、肿瘤发生和转移等重要生命过程密切相关。
　　2008年我们开始利用硅纳米线阵列开展单细胞生物力学研究，建立了基于硬质材料为基底的细胞牵引力测量方法和手段，并对正常细胞、良性肿瘤细胞和恶性肿瘤细胞的细胞牵引力进行测量和比较，发现细胞牵引力与细胞性质、生长状态和细胞生长周期密切相关。(Nano Lett. 2009, 9, 10, 3575-3580; Sensors and Materials, 2015, 27, 11, 1071-1077; ACS Nano, 2015, 9, 3, 3143-3150; Nano Energy, 2018, 05, 057, 504-512).