OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of live 3D biological systems

Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named ‘OptoRheo’ that combines light sheet fluores...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communications biology 2023-04, Vol.6 (1), p.463-463, Article 463
Main Authors: Mendonca, Tania, Lis-Slimak, Katarzyna, Matheson, Andrew B., Smith, Matthew G., Anane-Adjei, Akosua B., Ashworth, Jennifer C., Cavanagh, Robert, Paterson, Lynn, Dalgarno, Paul A., Alexander, Cameron, Tassieri, Manlio, Merry, Catherine L. R., Wright, Amanda J.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Biology
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cell Communication
Cell culture
Cell interactions
Drug development
Extracellular Matrix
Fluorescence microscopy
Hydrogels
Life Sciences
Mechanical properties
Microscopy
Microscopy, Fluorescence
Spheroids
Suspension culture
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Summary:Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named ‘OptoRheo’ that combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise the design of the next-generation of disease models. A new instrument named OptoRheo combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy and particle tracking microrheology for live imaging and micromechanical sensing of extracellular matrix-cell interactions.
ISSN:2399-3642
2399-3642
DOI:10.1038/s42003-023-04780-8