Three Dimensional and Homogenous Single Cell Cyclic Stretch within a Magnetic Micropillar Array (mMPA) for a Cell Proliferation Study

The physical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are a key aspect of the cell microenvironment. A biological system is a highly dynamic organization. In our study, we designed and prepared a large area of magnetic PDMS elastomer micropillar array (mMPA) with robust and tunable movement for cell mechanics study. The rotational movement frequency of the micropillars could be precisely controlled by a home-built magnetic actuation apparatus. Cells cultured in the mMPA could be suspended in between two micropillars in a single level and exhibited a 3D structure. With the rotational movement of the micropillar, a homogeneous stretchable force could be applied to a single cell along it long axis with various frequencies. We exclusively studied the influence of dynamic properties of the micropillar movement on cell behaviors. We found that, by fixing the amplitude of the stretchable force, the frequency-based properties of the cell microenvironment could significantly change cell functions. The cell behaviors are dependent on the micropillar movement frequency and a transition from proliferation to apoptosis/death exhibited with the increment of the force application frequency.