A microsystem for high resolution measurement of cell forces

A variety of methods are available for monitoring of cell forces. Here we report on a novel approach utilising optical profilometry within a liquid to measure in-plane displacements induced by cells as they are cultured in a microsystem. The high resolution obtainable from profilometry gives an order of magnitude improvement in measurement resolution compared to conventional optical techniques, a repeatability of 4nm being achieved in this work. The methodology is developed to give no restriction to the cell environment, thereby allowing the potential for a broad range of experiments in the field.