Single-cell mechanical characterization in constriction-based cytometry

Mechanical characterization of suspended cells by constriction-based microfluidic devices has currently various limitations related to the available analysis models. In this work, we propose a new methodology to analyze the experiments. This approach is based on numerical simulations to describe fluid forces and cell deformation and on an extension of the quasi-linear viscoelasticity theory developed by Fung. The cells are considered visco-hyperelastic, homogeneous, and isotropic. The approach allows for assessing the mechanical parameters of individual cells, which is not possible using previous approaches, notably increasing the power of the constriction-based microfluidic technique. A practical procedure to compute mechanical parameters is proposed and demonstrated by analyzing experiments with suspended cells. The methodology developed in this work provides a convenient tool to overcome critical limitations of the state of the art and to leverage the potential of these microfluidic devices. [Display omitted] •Development of a time-efficient methodology to mechanical characterize individual cells.•Successfully simulated fluid forces and cell squeezing.•A novel heuristic approach, based on Fung’s quasi-linear viscoelasticity theory, is proposed.•Demonstrated in an experimental study on the effect of osmolarity on cell deformability using the new mechanical approach.