Astigmatic traction force microscopy (aTFM).

Li, Di; Colin-York, Huw; Barbieri, Liliana; Javanmardi, Yousef; Guo, Yuting; Korobchevskaya, Kseniya; Moeendarbary, Emad; Li, Dong et al. · Nat Commun · 2021

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Quantifying small, rapidly progressing three-dimensional forces generated by cells remains a major challenge towards a more complete understanding of mechanobiology. Traction force microscopy is one of the most broadly applied force probing technologies but ascertaining three-dimensional information typically necessitates slow, multi-frame z-stack acquisition with limited sensitivity. Here, by performing traction force microscopy using fast single-frame astigmatic imaging coupled with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy we improve the temporal resolution of three-dimensional mechanical force quantification up to 10-fold compared to its related super-resolution modalities. 2.5D astigmatic traction force microscopy (aTFM) thus enables live-cell force measurements approaching physiological sensitivity.

Medical subject headings