SKM 2023 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 28: Poster Session II

BP 28.45: Poster

Thursday, March 30, 2023, 18:00–20:00, P2/EG

Super-resolved Imaging of Cellular Traction Forces — •Armina Mortazavi, Jianfei Jian, and Benedikt Sabass — Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany

Traction force microscopy (TFM) is a well-established method that enables the measurement of forces that are exerted by adherent cells to an underlying substrate. We aim to enhance the spatial resolution of TFM by using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy in total internal reflection mode. To measure the substrate deformations below adherent cells, we employ DNA-based FluoroCubes that each carries multiple, spontaneously blinking, fluorescent dye molecules. Grafting of these new fluorescent probes to the top surface of Polydimethylsiloxane gels and using RGD peptides as the smallest ligands representative of extracellular matrix allows us to measure the forces generated by individual focal adhesion sites. The proposed method in principle allows one to extend traction force microscopy to lengthscales below 100 micrometers and can therefore help to unravel the mechanobiology of highly localized cell-physiological processes.