ABSTRACT
In scientific investigation, the shortcomings of experimental techniques are often the limiting factor in our ability to gain a better understanding of the principles underlying phenomena of interest. It comes as no surprise, then, that the development of novel experimental approaches can have profound effects on advancing our understanding of cell mechanics and mechanobiology. Engineering principles have long been used to better understand the role of mechanics in regulating biological processes; however, our understanding of the mechanics of cells has generally lagged behind that of tissues. This is due in part to the technical challenges associated with investigating mechanical behavior at the small length scales associated with cells. In this chapter, we present an overview of some common experimental approaches for mechanically manipulating cells and investigating whole-cell mechanical behavior. In particular, we describe experimental techniques for cell probing, such as magnetic micromanipulation, atomic force microscopy, and optical trapping. We also describe approaches for quantifying traction forces in cells and analyzing the mechanics of cells under physiological mechanical stimuli such as matrix deformation and fluid shear stress. Finally, we conclude this chapter with a brief discussion of experimental design. Our goal is to provide a basic understanding of how each technique works and approaches for analyzing data obtained thereby (and, for the interested reader, resources for learning about a particular technique in more detail). Although we give relatively brief descriptions of each technique, the contribution of these techniques to the field of cell mechanics should not be underemphasized. Indeed, the use of these approaches led to most of the insights in cell mechanics and mechanobiology presented in this text.
