Harnessing Micro/Nano Acoustics for Mechanobiological Cell Manipulation

Abstract

Acoustic technologies have emerged as pivotal tools in the field of cell mechanobiology, offering mechanical strategies to regulate cellular functions in a more efficient and straightforward manner. However, achieving precise control over acoustic forces at micro/nano scales to manipulate cellular behavior and explore biological functions remains a significant challenge. This dissertation explores the potential applications of micro/nano acoustics for mechanobiological cell manipulations. First, an acoustofluidic interface for the mechanobiological secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is introduced. This system creates an acoustofluidic mechanobiological environment to form reproducible three-dimensional MSC aggregates, enhancing secretome production with increased efficiency. We confirm the increased MSC secretome is due to improved cell-cell interactions: the key mediator N-cadherin is up-regulated while functional blocking of N-cadherin resulted in no enhancement of the secretome. Second, a nanoscale acoustic oscillator for mechanoimmunology is presented for actively modulating macrophage functions. The acoustics-induced nano-oscillation triggers heightened stress intensity and uniform cell displacement, effectively inducing the M1 pro-inflammatory polarization of macrophages. These achievements exhibit the promising potential of micro/nano acoustics in advancing cell mechanobiology research.