Non-invasive micromechanical sensing and real-time 3D imaging of in vitro biological systems.

We present a bespoke new instrument for micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of 3D cell cultures. Our instrument combines optical tweezers and multiplane imaging for 3D optical microrheology, with light sheet microscopy for 3D fluorescence imaging. This integrated system allows us to visualise cells in their 3D environment while also mapping the physical properties of the extracellular matrix local to the cells. Such a holistic approach will allow for a wide range of fundamental questions in the life sciences to be addressed by effectively sensing the micro-world from a cell’s perspective.