The forces exerted by cells on their surroundings play an integral role in both physiological processes and disease progression. Traction force microscopy is a noninvasive technique that enables the in vitro imaging and quantification of cell forces. Utilizing expertise from a variety of disciplines, recent developments in traction force microscopy are enhancing the study of cell forces in physiologically relevant model systems, and hold promise for further advancing knowledge in mechanobiology. In this chapter, we discuss the methods, capabilities, and limitations of modern approaches for traction force microscopy, and highlight ongoing efforts and challenges underlying future innovations.
Keywords: Biophysical interactions; Cell forces; Cell mechanics; Collective behavior; Continuum mechanics; Elasticity; Extracellular matrix; Inverse problems; Mechanical properties; Mechanobiology; Quantitative imaging; Traction force microscopy.