Nanopin - A MEMS Based Sensor for the Analysis of Single Cell Mechanical Properties

Abstract

We developed a MEMS based sensor, Nanopin, for mechanical characterization of individual adherent cells. Nanopin consists of sensing tip that forms a contact with a cell, a displacement sensor, and an actuator. The feasibility of sensing was evaluated using various concentrations of agarose gel, and then the stiffness measurements of human carcinoma cells were conducted on different surfaces. After the measurements of cells, we confirmed that cells grow normally in an incubator.