Estimation for the elasticity of vascular endothelial cells on the basis of atomic force microscopy and Young's modulus of gelatin gels

Summary

The initial Young's modulus of vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) was studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in comparison with gelatin gels. The cross-sectional area of gelatin gels in contact with a tip of the cantilever was estimated from combination of force-displacement curves for glass plate and the Young's modulus of the gels obtained by a tensile tester. The cross-sectional area of vascular endothelial cells in contact with a tip of the cantilever was assumed identical to that of the 10 wt% gelatin gel. Thus, the elasticity of vascular endothelial cells on gelatin-coated glass was estimated as 5×10³ to 10⁶ Pa at points of 0.1 to 3 μm in height between a nucleus and extended lamellipodia of cells, where the edge region resulted in lower elasticity. The numeral is concluded to be in good agreement with the values reported on cells.