Biological cell monolayer shearing apparatus for diagnostic purposes

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method for determining the mechanical properties of biological cells wherein a cell sample containing microbeads having a diameter about the average diameter of the cell's nucleus is introduced into a gap formed by two essentially parallel and horizontal plates, a cell and microbead monolayer is formed, shear stress is applied to said monolayer and the mechanical responses of said monolayer is measured. The present invention is further directed to a device for performing the method.