Direct measurement of mechanical and adhesive properties of living cells using surface forces apparatus

The adhesive and mechanical properties of living cells assembled into a monolayer on two different substrates were investigated using the surface forces apparatus ( SFA) technique. The force measurements allowed elastic and bending moduli of the cells plated on substrates to be determined. The moduli are in good agreement with data reported in the literature for single cells determined using atomic force microscopy. Results confirm that the nature of the cell - substrate interactions can mediate cell mechanical and adhesive properties.