A new morphological cell parameter based on optical phase for the evaluation of cell populations

In this work, we introduce an opto-geometric parameter for the morphologic characterization of cell populations during their early adhesion process. Using measurements for a cell population of the maximal optical phase for each cell and its substrate-contact-surface, we show, experimentally, that a relationship exists between these variables. This connection is primarily associated with morphological cell characteristics. It is also shown that using the relationship obtained above, we can derive a morphological parameter, which, for the cell populations studied, results in a monodisperse Gaussiansize distribution, which would allow for the use of regular statistical variables. This result is in total contrast with the polydisperse distribution obtained if only the contact surface area between cell and substrate is used. In addition, optical phase measurements where accomplished by phase shifted interferometry using a Mirau-type interference microscope. The cellular system studied consisted of Osteoblast-like cells, plated on 316VM medical-grade stainless steel polished surfaces. These cell populations were studied within the same culture conditions of cell type, plating time and substrate roughness conditions. The existence of a relationship between maximal optical phase and substrate contact area agrees entirely with the accepted spreading model for cell adhesion; in particular, considering the close link between the optical phase time change and cell thickness reduction.