Improving survival of disassociated human embryonic stem cells by mechanical stimulation using acoustic tweezing cytometry

Biophys J. 2015 Mar 24;108(6):1315-1317. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.01.033.

Abstract

Dissociation-induced apoptosis of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hampers their large-scale culture. Herein we leveraged the mechanosensitivity of hESCs and employed, to our knowledge, a novel technique, acoustic tweezing cytometry (ATC), for subcellular mechanical stimulation of disassociated single hESCs to improve their survival. By acoustically actuating integrin-bound microbubbles (MBs) to live cells, ATC increased the survival rate and cloning efficiency of hESCs by threefold. A positive correlation was observed between the increased hESC survival rate and total accumulative displacement of integrin-anchored MBs during ATC stimulation. ATC may serve as a promising biocompatible tool to improve hESC culture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Cell Separation
  • Cell Survival
  • Clone Cells / physiology
  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Integrins
  • Microbubbles
  • Physical Stimulation / methods*
  • Ultrasonic Waves

Substances

  • Integrins