Issue 2, 2014

Cell force measurements in 3D microfabricated environments based on compliant cantilevers

Abstract

We report the fabrication, functionalization and testing of microdevices for cell culture and cell traction force measurements in three-dimensions (3D). The devices are composed of bent cantilevers patterned with cell-adhesive spots not lying on the same plane, and thus suspending cells in 3D. The cantilevers are soft enough to undergo micrometric deflections when cells pull on them, allowing cell forces to be measured by means of optical microscopy. Since individual cantilevers are mechanically independent of each other, cell traction forces are determined directly from cantilever deflections. This proves the potential of these new devices as a tool for the quantification of cell mechanics in a system with well-defined 3D geometry and mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract: Cell force measurements in 3D microfabricated environments based on compliant cantilevers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
04 Sep 2013
Accepted
25 Oct 2013
First published
25 Oct 2013

Lab Chip, 2014,14, 286-293

Cell force measurements in 3D microfabricated environments based on compliant cantilevers

M. Marelli, N. Gadhari, G. Boero, M. Chiquet and J. Brugger, Lab Chip, 2014, 14, 286 DOI: 10.1039/C3LC51021B

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