The force sensing bio-microscope: an efficient tool for cells mechanotransduction studies.

This paper deals with the development of an open design platform for explorative cells mechanotransduction investigation. The produced setup combines SPM techniques and advanced robotics approaches allowing to carry out both prolonged observations and spatial measurements on biological samples. As a result, enhanced force probing method based on scanning microscopy techniques and advanced robotics/automation approaches are integrated in this device. Visual and force feedback control are used to achieve automatic data acquisition and monitoring process when high skills are required. Preliminary in vitro experiments on human promyelocytic leukemia cells (NB4) are conducted in order to demonstrate the viability of the proposed design. Some relevant mechanical cell properties are extracted such as elasticity and viscosity parameters.