Effect of viscoelasticity on the analysis of single-molecule force spectroscopy on live cells.

ABSTRACT: Single-molecule force spectroscopy is used to probe the kinetics of receptor-ligand bonds by applying mechanical forces to an intermediate media on which the molecules reside. When this intermediate media is a live cell, the viscoelastic properties can affect the calculation of rate constants. We theoretically investigate the effect of media viscoelasticity on the common assumption that the bond force is equal to the instantaneous applied force. Dynamic force spectroscopy is simulated between two cells of varying micromechanical properties adhered by a single bond with a constant kinetic off-rate. We show that cell and microvilli deformation, and hydrodynamic drag contribute to bond forces that can be 28-90% lower than the applied force for loading rates of 10(3)-10(7) pN/s, resulting in l

SUBMITTER: Gupta VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3388221 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature