Effects of trypsin and cytochalasin-B treatments to cell traction forces

This study aimed at characterizing the responses and cell traction forces of keratinocytes after treated with trypsin and cytochalasin-B using a liquid crystal based cell traction force transducer. The physical restructuring of the cell and the deformation lines induced in the liquid crystal surface were profiled using phase contrast microscopy. The liquid crystal based cell traction force transducer allowed experiments involving the dissolution of the cytoskeleton via cytochalasin-B and trypsinization to identify clear differences in cell responses to the two treatments indicated that the attachment of the cells was mediated by integrins and enforced by actin filaments. This work indicates that the new liquid crystal based sensor can be used to interrogate the kinetic and cytoskeletal responses of cells to the infusion of compounds known to interact with the actin cytoskeleton and adhesion proteins.