Cell elasticity measurement and sorting based on microfluidic techniques: Advances and applications

Abstract

Cell elasticity serves as a crucial physical biomarker that reflects changes in cellular structures and physiological states, providing key insights into cell behaviors. It links mechanical properties to biological function, highlighting its importance for understanding cell health and advancing biomedical research. Microfluidic technologies, with their capabilities for precise manipulation and high-throughput analysis, have significantly advanced the measurement of cell elasticity and elasticity-based cell sorting. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of advanced microsystems for assessing cell elasticity, discussing their advantages and limitations. The biomedical applications of elasticity-based sorting are highlighted, including cell classification, clinical diagnosis, drug screening, and stem cell differentiation prediction. The paper addresses the current challenges in the field, such as limited measurement efficiency and scalability, and explores future research directions, including the development of automated, high-throughput systems and the integration of elasticity measurements into practical biomedical applications. These advancements aim to deepen our understanding of cellular mechanics, improve diagnostic precision, and foster the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this work emphasizes the potential of cell elasticity as a key parameter in advancing disease diagnosis and therapeutic research.