Imaging mechanical properties of cancer cells during metastasis with Brillouin microspectroscopy

Cancer remains among the leading causes of death in the United States. Early detection, classification and understanding of malignant cell proliferation and metastasis mechanisms are crucial for effective treatment. Current malignant cell studies largely rely on either invasive imaging techniques or invasive research protocols that hinder both speed and accuracy of cancer research. Here we are reporting successful imaging of cancer metastasis processes on a cellular level using Brillouin microspectroscopic imaging. In this research we are specifically presenting results of a non-invasive interrogation of elastic properties of 4T1 murine fibroblast cells in a spheroid model acquired with our custom-built confocal Brillouin microspectrometer. Spatial map of elastic properties was recorded for both interior and exterior regions of the 4T1 cell spheroid. We observed lower stiffness of cancer cells compared to cells from internal regions. In addition we observed the difference in stiffness values between cells exposed to challenging and normal environmental conditions. Our findings correlate well with prior published data, acquired with conventional biomechanical assessment techniques.