Dynamic Effective Elasticity of Melanoma Cells Under Shear and Elongational Flow Confirms Estimation From Force Spectroscopy

The detection and enrichment of circulating melanoma cells is a challenge, as the cells are very heterogeneous in terms of their biomechanical properties and surface markers. In addition, there is a lack of valid and reliable biomarkers predicting progress and therapeutic response. In this study, we analyze the elasticity of A375 melanoma cells by applying force spectroscopy and a microfluidic method. To identify and eventually separate freely circulating tumor cells, it is crucial to know their physical properties precisely. First, we use standard AFM force spectroscopy, where the elasticity of the cells is calculated from indentation with a pyramidal tip. To extend the limits of the measurements with a tip, we then use cantilevers without a tip to apply force over a larger area of the cells. The resulting Young’s moduli are slightly lower and vary less without the tip, presumably because of the spatial inhomogeneity of the cells. Finally, we implement our microfluidic method: we measure single cell elasticity by analyzing their deformation in high-speed micrographs while passing a stenosis. Combining the force field and the change in shape provides the basis for a stress–strain diagram. The results from the microfluidic deformation analysis were well in accordance with the results from force spectroscopy. The microfluidic method, however, provides advantages over conventional methods, as it is less invasive and less likely to harm the cell during the measurement. The whole cell is measured as one entity without having contact to a stiff substrate, while force spectroscopy is limited to the contact area of the tip, and in some cases dependent of the cell substrate interaction. Consequently, microfluidic deformation analysis allows us to predict the overall elastic behavior of the whole, inhomogeneous cell in three-dimensional force fields. This method may contribute to improve the detection of circulating melanoma cells in the clinical practice.