Publications

@article{Mendonca2023-hi,

title = {OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and  imaging of live 3D biological systems},

author = {Tania Mendonca and Katarzyna Lis-Slimak and Andrew B Matheson and Matthew G Smith and Akosua B Anane-Adjei and Jennifer C Ashworth and Robert Cavanagh and Lynn Paterson and Paul A Dalgarno and Cameron Alexander and Manlio Tassieri and Catherine L R Merry and Amanda J Wright},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

urldate = {2023-04-01},

journal = {Commun. Biol.},

volume = {6},

number = {1},

pages = {463},

abstract = {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.},

keywords = {3D in vitro models, Biomaterials (hydrogels scaffolds), cell matrix interactions, light sheet fluorescence microscopy, microrheology, multiplane microscopy, optical trapping, Optical tweezers, viscoelasticity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}