Quantum-enhanced diamond molecular tension microscopy for quantifying cellular forces.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cellular Mechanobiology
• Quantum Sensing

Background:

• Cell-microenvironment interactions are crucial for biological functions.
• Existing methods for measuring cellular forces have sensitivity and interpretation limitations.
• Understanding mechanobiology requires precise force quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel technique for precisely quantifying integrin-based cell adhesive forces.
• To overcome the limitations of current cellular force measurement technologies.
• To advance the field of mechanobiology through improved force measurement.

Main Methods:

• Developed quantum-enhanced diamond molecular tension microscopy (QDMTM).
• Constructed a force-sensing platform using magnetic nanotags and force-responsive polymers on a diamond membrane with nitrogen-vacancy centers.
• Converted cellular forces into detectable magnetic variations for measurement.

Main Results:

• Achieved quantitative cellular force mapping.
• Validated the QDMTM method by correlating measurements with a theoretical model.
• Demonstrated precise quantification of integrin-based cell adhesive forces.

Conclusions:

• QDMTM offers a sensitive and unambiguous method for measuring cellular forces.
• The technique precisely quantifies cell adhesive forces, advancing mechanobiology.
• Anticipated routine use in studying cell-cell/cell-material interactions and mechanotransduction.