ABSTRACT
The tensegrity cell model is a qualitative modeling technique for adherent cells. The main concept in delineating the mechanical properties of cells is that the cell body is a tensional integrity structure, thus the name tensegrity. In tensegrity force balance, prestress in the filaments is a major factor governing cell mechanics. To determine whether cells can be modeled as tensegrity structures, one would need to tune the cell prestress by biochemically modifying its living conditions and monitoring whether the elasticity changes accordingly. When cells are modeled as tensegrity, prestress determines the mechanical response of the whole cytoskeleton structure to external load such as the nanoindentation force from the probe. The tensegrity modeling of adherent cells is normally about single cells, and only cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction is considered in most cases. The ECM provides the external support for the force balance, in which the integrin of cells binds to ECM in the formation of the so- called focal adhesion complex.
