Physical regulation of cell behaviors: multifrequency AFM measurement of mechanoelectric, mechanochemical, and hydration shell effects on ECM and cell substrate viscoelasticity

Thesis

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a scaffold of molecules, constructed and maintained by cells, that determines tissue structure. Cell-ECM interactions are crucial for maintaining healthy tissues. Understanding these interactions could provide insight into regenerative medicine and help develop new disease treatments. The mechanical properties of cells and the ECM are crucial in this interaction. Biological systems are viscoelastic (viscous and elastic), meaning they respond to applied for...

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Authors: Adam, C

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM); Extracellular Matrix (ECM); Amplitude Modulation-Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy (AM-FM AFM); Cell-Derived ECM; Viscoelasticity; Time Responses; Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)); Nanoscale Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA); Mechanochemical Coupling; Mechanoelectric Coupling; Hydration Shells; Collagen
• Subjects: Biophysics