A nano-mechanical study on the influence of ultrasound exposure on cellular elasticity

For the purposes of the present study, we are attempting to improve the understanding of the cell-mechanical bioeffects that US exposure promotes. Here we undertake targeted live cell force spectroscopy measurements exploring the induced elasticity changes in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with varying incident US power. Stiffness, as measured both on and off-nucleus, appears to respond rapidly to US exposure, maximally doubling from quiescent values within 300s in some cases. We also note however that each geometric arrangement of the target cell within its local grouping must be considered on its own merits as the stabilizing effect of its nearest neighbours may influence net measurements.