Biomembrane force probe (BFP): Design, advancements, and recent applications to live‐cell mechanobiology

Abstract

Mechanical forces play a vital role in biological processes at molecular and cellular levels, significantly impacting various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COVID‐19. Recent advancements in dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) techniques have enabled the application and measurement of forces and displacements with high resolutions, providing crucial insights into the mechanical pathways underlying these diseases. Among DFS techniques, the biomembrane force probe (BFP) stands out for its ability to measure bond kinetics and cellular mechanosensing with pico‐newton and nano‐meter resolutions. Here, a comprehensive overview of the classical BFP‐DFS setup is presented and key advancements are emphasized, including the development of dual biomembrane force probe (dBFP) and fluorescence biomembrane force probe (fBFP). BFP‐DFS allows us to investigate dynamic bond behaviors on living cells and significantly enhances the understanding of specific ligand‐receptor axes mediated cell mechanosensing. The contributions of BFP‐DFS to the fields of cancer biology, thrombosis, and inflammation are delved into, exploring its potential to elucidate novel therapeutic discoveries. Furthermore, future BFP upgrades aimed at improving output and feasibility are anticipated, emphasizing its growing importance in the field of cell mechanobiology. Although BFP‐DFS remains a niche research modality, its impact on the expanding field of cell mechanobiology is immense.

Spider-Silk-like Fiber Mat-Covered Polypropylene Warp-Knitted Hernia Mesh for Inhibition of Fibrosis under Dynamic Environment

“…It is well-known that mechanical environment plays an important role in tissue regeneration. − After meshes are implanted, fibroblasts are recruited to the surface of the materials, fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts, and deposit extracellular matrix (ECM) such as collagen to achieve wound repair after being stimulated by chemical or mechanical signals . Under normal circumstances, most myofibroblasts will gradually lead to apoptosis at the end of repair. , However, the abdominal wall is a tissue in constant dynamic motion and the mechanical stimulation provided to the cells is often too intense, which leads to excessive proliferation of myofibroblasts and deposition of excess ECM, resulting in scar tissue production. , These scar tissues encapsulate the mesh, making the tissue–mesh complex stiffer, which causes greater mechanical stimulation of the surrounding cells and tissues and allow further fibrosis to occur .…”

Membrane Tubulation with a Biomembrane Force Probe

“…The BFP provided unprecedented insights in molecular interactions involved in many processes, such as cellular adhesion or inflammation. It has been extended far beyond its original purpose and is now used to study the kinetics of ligand-receptor binding [21,22], cell membrane organization [23][24][25], cell-cell interactions [26,27], protein network crosstalk [28,29] and cell networks [30,31], or in mechano-biology in general [32]. It can also be combined with fluorescence to locally observe changes in molecular or membrane features [33].…”