A Microforce and Nanoforce Biomicroscope Device for <i>In Vitro</i> Mechanotransduction Investigation

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of an open design platform for explorative cell mechanotransduction investigation. The produced setup combines scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques and advanced robotics approaches, allowing both prolonged observations and spatial measurements on biological samples. As a result, an enhanced force probing method based on scanning microscopy techniques and advanced robotics and automation approaches is integrated in this device. Visual and force feedback control is used to achieve automatic data acquisition and monitoring processes when high skills are required. Experimentation on the mechanical cell characterization under in vitro conditions on human adherent cervix epithelial Hela cells are presented to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of the proposed setup.