Mechanical properties of cell sheets and spheroids: the link between single cells and complex tissues

Cell aggregates, including sheets and spheroids, represent a simple yet powerful model system to study both biochemical and biophysical intercellular interactions. However, it is becoming evident that, although the mechanical properties and behavior of multicellular structures share some similaritie...

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Published inBiophysical reviews Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 541 - 561
Main Authors Efremov, Yuri M., Zurina, Irina M., Presniakova, Viktoria S., Kosheleva, Nastasia V., Butnaru, Denis V., Svistunov, Andrey A., Rochev, Yury A., Timashev, Peter S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2021
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Aggregates
Biochemistry
Biological and Medical Physics
Biological Techniques
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Contractility
Extracellular matrix
Life Sciences
Measurement techniques
Mechanical properties
Membrane Biology
Nanotechnology
Regenerative medicine
Review
Spheroids
Tissue engineering
Cell aggregates
Mechanical properties
Cell spheroids
Cell sheets
Mechanobiology
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ISSN1867-2450
1867-2469
DOI10.1007/s12551-021-00821-w

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Summary:Cell aggregates, including sheets and spheroids, represent a simple yet powerful model system to study both biochemical and biophysical intercellular interactions. However, it is becoming evident that, although the mechanical properties and behavior of multicellular structures share some similarities with individual cells, yet distinct differences are observed in some principal aspects. The description of mechanical phenomena at the level of multicellular model systems is a necessary step for understanding tissue mechanics and its fundamental principles in health and disease. Both cell sheets and spheroids are used in tissue engineering, and the modulation of mechanical properties of cell constructs is a promising tool for regenerative medicine. Here, we review the data on mechanical characterization of cell sheets and spheroids, focusing both on advances in the measurement techniques and current understanding of the subject. The reviewed material suggest that interplay between the ECM, intercellular junctions, and cellular contractility determines the behavior and mechanical properties of the cell aggregates.
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ISSN:1867-2450
1867-2469
DOI:10.1007/s12551-021-00821-w