A micromanipulation platform based on magnetic tweezers and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy for cell mechanical studies

Abstract

We developed a manipulation platform, which combines magnetic tweezers and the incubating system, with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). Our system can generate forces up to the nN range and such forces can be used to observe and characterize cell mechanical responses to external forces. Combined with TIRFM, cell surface stress-strain phenomena can also be investigated.