Measuring mechanodynamics in an unsupported epithelial monolayer grown at an air–water interface

Abstract

A new method is presented for measuring the mechanodynamics of epithelial monolayers by culturing cells at an air–liquid interface. These model monolayers are grown in the absence of any supporting structures, removing cell–substrate effects.

Integrated elastomer-based device for measuring the mechanics of adherent cell monolayers

“…33,34 The few approaches proposed up to now to easily decouple substrate and cell mechanical responses make use of outof-plane deformations of thin membranes 31,35,36 or the use of fully suspended cell monolayers. 30,37,38 In both cases, these methods use bulky and complex set-ups that come with limitations: difficulty in observing the sample when out-of-plane deformations are imposed, fragility, low repeatability and, in suspended cell monolayers, strong experimental time limitation.…”