2.5D Traction Force Microscopy: Imaging three-dimensional cell forces at interfaces and biological applications

Area of Science:

• Mechanobiology
• Cellular and Tissue Mechanics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Traditional 2D Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) neglects out-of-plane forces, which are critical in biological phenomena like tissue migration and tumor invasion.
• Understanding the complete 3D force landscape is essential for advancing mechanobiology research.

Approach:

• This review details the imaging, material, and analytical tools required for performing 2.5D TFM.
• It contrasts 2.5D TFM with conventional 2D TFM, emphasizing the distinct methodologies.
• Challenges in 2.5D TFM, including lower z-direction resolution and 3D marker tracking, are discussed.

Key Points:

• 2.5D TFM enables comprehensive mapping of force vectors in diverse biological events, from focal adhesions to multicellular organism locomotion.
• Applications span various length scales, including cell diapedesis and 3D tissue formation.
• The technique provides insights into forces at 2D interfaces crucial for biological functions.

Conclusions:

• Future advancements in materials, imaging, and machine learning will enhance 2.5D TFM's resolution, speed, and accuracy.
• This technique offers powerful capabilities for studying complex biological force dynamics.
• 2.5D TFM is poised to become an indispensable tool in mechanobiology.