Opto-mechanical platforms for cell force study

Microsystems are providing key advances in studying single-cell mechanical behaviours. The mechanical interaction of cells with their extracellular matrix is fundamentally important for cell migration, division, phagocytes and apoptosis. As the displacement and scales of cellular phenomena is comparable to optical wavelength, optical metrology offers superior resolution and real-time imaging capabilities to measure cell forces and subcellular behaviour as compared to its traditional counterparts. This review Letter discusses the principles, formation and methodological aspects of building opto-mechanical systems in studying cell forces. The authors report current advances of various opto-mechanical systems in studying different aspects of cell mechanics.