Micro systems for probing cellular forces and cellular mechanical properties

Abstract Mechanical signals are universal in live cells and tissues, and they play a vital role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Although conventional tools are able to obtain aggregate forces generated by live cells and obtain mechanical properties of bulk tissues, it is challenging to probe mechanical forces or obtain mechanical properties at the cellular level using conventional tools. This is because of the lack of capability in simultaneous force probing at a large number of sites of interest and providing mechanical mapping with a high spatial resolution. Micro systems and micro/nanotechnologies have provided a powerful toolset to enable cellular mechanotransduction at small scales thanks to their high spatial resolution and high measuring sensitivity. In this chapter, we review the current development of micro systems for cellular force measurements and mechanical profiling in live cells as well as in live tissues. We specifically focus on the sensing principles and configurations of these microsensors. The limitations of current technologies are also discussed. We expect this chapter may provide a useful overview of this field to readers of interest and inspire new sensing mechanisms to fulfill the unmet needs in cellular/tissue force probing and mechanical profiling.