Dresden 2014 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 7: Posters: Cell adhesion, mechanics and migration
BP 7.17: Poster
Montag, 31. März 2014, 17:30–19:30, P3
Ultra-soft PDMS elastomers for cell mechanic investigation — •Viktor Heinrichs, Sabine Dieluweit, Jörg Stellbrink, Rudolf Merkel, and Dieter Richter — Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
The elasticity of cell environment (e.g. extra cellular matrix) plays an important role in cell morphology and protein expression. Every tissue in the organism owns a specific elasticity; the cerebral tissue is the softest one and has an elasticity (Young’s modulus) below 1 kPa. Therefore, an elastic and biocompatible model substrate with well-defined and adjustable properties for cell mechanic investigation is required. Cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is frequently used because PDMS is nontoxic, easy to handle and commercially available, although an elasticity of 1 kPa is difficult to achieve. The preparation of the PDMS substrates is carried out by hydrosilylation reaction with well-defined polymers and crosslinking agent in the presence of platinum catalyst. The stiffness of PDMS networks can be varied by polymer chain length, reaction time of hydrosylilation and stoichiometrie. Quantification of mechanical properties was carried out by strained controlled rheometer (ARES-G2, TA Instruments). Using ultra-low frequency measurements (down to 10−5 s−1) its Young’s modulus was clearly formed to be 1.8 kPa. Using this approach, we created new well defined PDMS elastomers to simulate the cell environment and in particular for research of cerebral tissue. [1] N. Hersch, B. Wolters, G. Dreissen, R. Springer, N. Kirchgeßner, R. Merkel, B. Hoffmann, Biol. Open 2013, 2, 251-361.