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Tracking cell migration by cellular force footprint recorded with a mechano-optical biosensor
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|August 3, 2021
Summary
We developed Tracking Cells by Footprint (TCF), a novel assay for cell migration analysis. TCF uses fluorescent footprints to quantify cell movement without time-lapse imaging, enabling high-throughput studies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Conventional cell migration assays are limited by complex hardware and low throughput.
- Time-lapse imaging is typically required, increasing experimental burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new assay for cell migration analysis that overcomes limitations of current methods.
- To enable high-throughput quantification of cell motility without time-lapse imaging.
Main Methods:
- Developed Tracking Cells by Footprint (TCF) assay using a mechano-optical biosensor.
- Biosensor becomes fluorescent upon sensing cell adhesion force, creating traceable footprints.
- Analyzed cell migration range, speed, and persistence from static fluorescent footprints.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated TCF feasibility with diverse cell types.
- Quantified effects of biochemical (blebbistatin, vinblastine, bFGF) and biomechanical (substrate rigidity) cues on fibroblast motility.
- Showed TCF is compatible with 96-well plates for high-throughput screening.
Conclusions:
- TCF provides a simplified, high-throughput method for cell migration analysis.
- TCF enables robust quantification of cell motility influenced by various factors.
- This assay offers a valuable tool for cell migration research and drug discovery.
