Real-time mapping of cell traction forces

Living cells constantly receive and respond to physical and biochemical signals that can evoke the traction force in cells. This force generated by cells contributes to the regulation of many physiological and pathological processes. Here we propose a technological approach for the measurement of cellular traction force by nanofabrication of a membrane of parylene nanopillars with diameter below 1 µm and the height between 2 µm to 10 µm. The nanopillars will be coated with a layer of thermally growing SiO2. The chemical properties of SiO2 will be simply modulated through the silanization process and plasma treatment. That will enable us to immobilize via covalent crosslinking any polymer include proteins to the pillar surface or to keep the surface non – adhesive for proteins or cells. Our fabrication process also enables us to form in situ a cell culturing well from the remaining silicon. This will greatly simplify the manipulation and overall experimental procedures with cells. The measurement of traction force will be shown on an example of cancer and cardiac cells.