Imaging methods in mechanosensing: a historical perspective and visions for the future

Abstract

Over the last 3 decades, as mechanobiology has become a distinct area of study researchers have developed novel imaging tools to discover the pathways of bio-mechanical signaling. Early work with substrate engineering and particle tracking demonstrated the importance of cell-ECM interactions on the cell cycle as well as the mechanical flux of the intracellular environment. Most recently, tension sensor approaches allowed directly measuring tension in cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. We retrospectively analyze how these various optical techniques progressed the field and suggest our vision forward for a unified theory of cell mechanics, mapping cellular mechanosensing, and novel biomedical applications for mechanobiology.

Emergence of integrated biosensing-enabled digital healthcare devices

“…Table 1 lists some innovative designs and methods reported for the development of sensor technologies. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Understanding various mechanisms through methodogical investigation is important. Here, 3D printed CNT electrodes, distinct interaction, Janus 2D materials, biomimetic receptor, pH-sensitive drug sensing, hematopoietic stem cell differentiations are some of the unique processes involved in developing methods for sensing purposes.…”

“…[20][21][22][23][24][25] Diverse methods of detection, such as photolithography, imaging, cardio-mechanical signal detection, posture detection based on wearable devices, selfpowered tetherless detection, and silicate-based electroconductive mechanisms, are used in different studies. [26][27][28][29][30][31] They offer a solution to issues related to the lifethreatening potential by the delayed treatment of diseases and complications due to the fact that not all segments of human society have the financial means to pay for such specialized diagnoses. Physiological, aural, gustatory, olfactory, and haptic stimuli, as well as touch, taste, and smell experiences, and other sensory experiences in the environment or on the human body, can be useful in today's world and can be exploited in sensing applications.…”

“…In order to ensure responsible use, it is imperative to address ethical considerations, specifically those related to permission, autonomy, and the possibility of surveillance. 27 Moreover, there is a potential danger that this sophisticated healthcare technology could worsen current disparities in health, highlighting the importance of ensuring fair and equal access to their advantages. In order to achieve widespread adoption, it is also essential to overcome skepticism and opposition from healthcare providers and patients.…”

Tools for studying and modulating (cardiac muscle) cell mechanics and mechanosensing across the scales

“…These force-sensitive elements are flanked by fluorescent molecules or quenchers that can be used to quantify the energy transfer as a function of the distance and after calibration with e.g. magnetic tweezers, as function of force (recently reviewed together with TFM and other tools in Lavrenyuk et al 2021 ). Especially the intracellular tension sensors are promising tools to study poorly understood cardiomyocyte Z-disc, M-band or intercalated discs mechanobiology.…”

Two Motors and One Spring: Hypothetic Roles of Non-Muscle Myosin II and Submembrane Actin-Based Cytoskeleton in Cell Volume Sensing

“…<NMMII and smACSK visualization>. To evaluate the forces acting on any singles protein, the molecular tension sensors are being developed [ 146 , 147 ]. As concerns live-cell measurement of ion transport system, activity of NHE1 can be monitored with cSNARF1, a fluorescent sensor of intracellular pH [ 148 ].…”