Mechanical characterization of single cells based on microfluidic techniques
2019
Huang, Jianyong | Lin, Feng | Xiong, Chunyang
Interactions between cells and their microenvironment trigger a series of complex mechanotransduction signals that regulate cell behavior. Mechanical characterization of cell interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM)/substrate is a prerequisite for quantitative investigations of the mechanisms of mechanotransduction. Here, we present recent progress in the quantification of traction forces generated during cell-ECM/substrate interaction, with an emphasis on force/stress reconstructions on functionalized ECM/substrates fabricated by microfluidics techniques such as elastomeric micropillar arrays, patterned and continuous substrates, and three-dimensional hydrogel substrates. We also present an overview of how to measure displacement fields induced by cell activity, and reliably and accurately capture cellular traction force/stress on different substrates. Lastly, we describe recent applications in mechano-biology.
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