Physical properties of normal and cancerous cells

Fluorescence image of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell (semi-opaque, superimposed AFM cantilever shape added later to image)

Using a combination of techniques, such as AFM forces spectroscopy, particle tracking inside cells and laser scanning confocal microscopy techniques (e. g., FRAP) we are investigating how normal cells and cancerous cells differ in their physical properties (e.g. viscoelastic properties).  We are using human mammary endothelial (HME) cells and BC3 cells and BC5 cells (breast cancer cells). 

The research team includes, Profs. Bonin (PI), Macosko, Guthold, Holzwarth (WFU Physics), McCauley (WFU Biology), Scarpinato (Georgia Southern), and graduate students Justin Sigley and Xinyi Guo.

Funding from the NSF.