Aspiration of Individual Microgel to Probe Mechanical Stiffness

This rendering depicts a technique known as micropipette aspiration, which relies on applying a negative pressure onto a particle (green) or surface via a capillary (transparent) and recording the strain or deformation. Once collecting multiple points, one can back calculate the stiffness (elastic modulus) of the material. This technique is very powerful for understanding micromechanics, which are what is more relevant to the cell compare to macroscopic mechanical properties. During my studies, I was frustrated that no techniques were readily available to test my microgels so I decided to build my own device (not invent it) and have been validating it with another colleague. 

(Publication in Progress)