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Measuring small forces is a major challenge in cell biology. Here we improve the spatial resolution and accuracy of force reconstruction of the well-established technique of traction force microscopy (TFM) using STED microscopy. The increased spatial resolution of STED-TFM (STFM) allows a greater than 5-fold higher sampling of the forces generated by the cell than conventional TFM, accessing the nano instead of the micron scale. This improvement is highlighted by computer simulations and an activating RBL cell model system.

Original publication

DOI

10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b00273

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nano lett

Publication Date

13/04/2016

Volume

16

Pages

2633 - 2638

Keywords

Super-resolution microscopy, actin cytoskeleton, mechanobiology, traction force microscopy, Algorithms, Cell Adhesion, Computer Simulation, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Scanning Probe, Models, Theoretical, Stress, Mechanical, Traction