Photonic crystal microscopy and cell mechanics measurement methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photonic crystal microscope and a method for measuring cell mechanics. The photonic crystal microscope includes a photonic crystal substrate, a stage, a detection light source and an imaging component. The photonic crystal substrate is above the stage, and the detection light source and imaging components are sequentially located on the side of the stage away from the photonic crystal substrate. The photonic crystal substrate is used for Cultivate the cells to be tested, and when the cells to be tested grow on the photonic crystal substrate, the photonic crystal substrate can be deformed; wherein, the detection light source is used to send detection light to the photonic crystal substrate; the photonic crystal substrate reflects the detection light to the imaging component The imaging component receives the reflected light from the photonic crystal substrate for imaging, so as to obtain the force information between the cells to be measured and the photonic crystal substrate by using the imaging graphics. On the premise of ensuring the accuracy of subcellular measurement, the throughput is greatly improved, the complexity of the algorithm is simplified, the time resolution is improved, and the cost of the device and the complexity of the experiment are reduced.

Description

technical field [0001] The disclosure belongs to the technical field of crystal microscopes, and in particular relates to a photonic crystal microscope and a method for measuring cell mechanics. Background technique [0002] Cell-generated forces are key regulators of cell adhesion, signaling, and function, and they are also important drivers of morphogenetic events in development. Over the past few decades, various methods have been developed to measure these forces. While there is great interest in understanding the contributions of these forces in biology, measuring them on a broad scale remains challenging. [0003] The simplest methods of characterizing the presence of cellular forces involve measuring deformations of cells, substrates, or tissues without attempting to relate these deformations to actual forces. For example, cells embedded in a collagen gel will compress the gel, mimicking the contraction that occurs during wound healing. The size of the cell force c...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, high-resolution imaging is required to map high-resolution traction force, which greatly limits the application of this method.

High magnification objectives required for high resolution also limit throughput

High-dose phototoxicity will also cause greater interference to the sample to be tested

[0006] Although methods based on microcolumn arrays and methods based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer have been greatly developed, there are still limitations such as preparation difficulties and high requirements for measurement equipment.

In addition, the current method is limited to the mechanical measurement of macroscopic tissue or several microscopic cells, and cannot perform mechanical measurement with subcellular resolution within the millimeter field of view.

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