Cell-biomaterials interactions: mechanical forces assessment by traction force microscopy

Abstract

This chapter briefly describes how cell-generated mechanical forces (both by individual cells and multicellular systems) can be measured and quantified in vitro by traction force microscopy (TFM), and discusses their implications in biology. We highlight some of the most relevant works performed in this area of research with particular attention to their applications in musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This chapter is meant to provide a quick and concise guide about the use of in vitro tools to quantify mechanical forces, providing a valuable and straightforward resource for researchers for their cell mechanicsebased studies.