Quantitative, Label-Free Mapping of Cell Force Dynamics.

Label-free plasmonic cell force microscopy is developed to reveal cell exerted force at diffraction-limited spatial resolution. By quantifying cell-substrate interaction dynamics in real-time through plasmonic scattering imaging, the spatial and temporal evolutions of cellular forces are accurately mapped. To demonstrate the capability of the technology, cardiomyocyte force evolution and loading rates are measured with millisecond resolution. Furthermore, cell force responses to nicotinic receptor activation are monitored and observed heterogenic cell force changes among a population of cells, underscoring the versatility and potential impact of this label-free approach.