Optimization of an Optical Magnetic Twisting Cytometry system for the study of cell mechanics

In this work the development and optimization of an Optical Magnetic Twisting Cytometry (OMTC) system specifically designed to study the mechanical properties of living cells is presented. The system allows the precise synchronization of the magnetic field signal, used to apply a known stress on beads bound to the cell surface, and the image acquisition to track the bead movement. We present a detailed procedure to accurately validate the system in order to standardize its calibration procedure and to obtain quantitative and reproducible data. First results obtained on human airway smooth muscle cells after consecutive challenges of a constrictive and relaxant stimuli support the accuracy and sensitivity of the system.