Stretchable electrode enabled electrochemical mass spectrometry for in situ and complementary analysis of cellular mechanotransduction

Abstract

Mechanotransduction exerts a profound influence on diverse cellular processes via activated signalling pathways. Although the currently established methods could reveal force-induced ultimate changes in specific biochemical cues, they fail to provide real-time and comprehensive information about the complicated signaling events. Herein, we report stretchable electrode enabled electrochemical mass spectrometry for in situ and complementary analysis of cellular mechanotransduction. The stretchable electrode functions as not only an electrochemical sensor for tracking the electroactive molecules released from stretched cells cultured thereon, but also an ionization source to ionize the intracellular metabolites for mass spectrometry analysis. As a concept application, the endothelial mechanotransduction mediated NO pathway was found to be different in transient stimulation and prolonged stimulation for the first time. This work provides a revealing strategy for in situ and comprehensive analysis of the biomolecules involved in cellular mechanotransduction.