High-Frequency Ultrasound Techniques for Measurement of Cell and Tissue Mechanics

High-frequency ultrasound imaging is widely used in medicine and biology due to its ability to provide detailed anatomical, mechanical, and functional insights into internal organs. This chapter explores advanced high-frequency ultrasound techniques, including acoustic tweezers, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, and shear wave elastography, which enable precise quantification of mechanical properties at cellular and tissue levels. Acoustic tweezers and acoustic radiation force impulse microscopy based on photoacoustic detection enable micro-scale quantification of cell mechanics, particularly in distinguishing between highly and weakly invasive breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, directional shear wave high-frequency and acoustic radiation force impulse ultrasound imaging provide high-resolution assessments of mechanical properties in cardiac tissues and tumors, respectively. Altogether, these advanced ultrasound methods enhance our understanding of tissue mechanics and have the potential to be a promising diagnostic tool for human diseases.