Development of a Novel Magnetic-Driven Micropillar Substrate for Mechanical Stimulation at Individual Focal Adhesions of Cells

Traction force generated at focal adhesions (FAs) of cells plays an essential role in regulating various cellular functions. The force can be measured by plating cells on a flexible substrate to observe local displacement of the substrate caused by the forces (1–100 nN) [1]. Approaches employing this method include using microfabricated arrays of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) micropillars that bend by cellular traction forces [2]. If you could apply forces to individual FAs independently by actively moving micropillars, it should become a powerful tool to delineate the cellular mechanotransduction mechanisms.