Title: Understanding of Single Cell Mechanics using Glass Micropore by Resistive Pulse Technique

Authors: Arkabrata Mishra, Saurabh Kaushik, Sweta Srivastava,

Roshan Ross, Cecil Reuben Ross, Gautam Vivek Soni

Modulating cellular stiffness is a pivotal biomarker across diverse diseases such as sickle cell disease, malaria, cancer, etc. Red blood cells are viscoelastic and demonstrate remarkable deformability as they traverse through a microchannel having dimensions smaller than their size. With our apparatus, we measure the cellular size by the resistive pulse method. We also quantify cellular deformability by the transit time through a micropore that depends on cell size, pore geometry, and the constant pressure applied to flow them. Calibration of our instrument involves employing AFM elasticity measurements to discern distinct levels of cellular stiffness induced by the actin inhibitor drug Latrunculin-A, which softens the cells. Ultimately, we display the device's efficacy in screening sickle cell disease patients based on their red blood cell stiffness. This device contributes to our understanding of the biomechanics of RBCs and has potential implications for the broader field of biophysics and its applications in disease diagnostics.