pyTFM

pyTFM: Traction Force and Monolayer Stress Microscopy Analysis

pyTFM implements Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) and Monolayer Stress Microscopy to reconstruct cell–matrix tractions and inter- and intra-cellular stresses from substrate deformations induced by cellular forces on elastic two-dimensional substrates. It quantifies force generation and stress distribution in single cells, cell colonies, epithelial cell patches, and confluent cell layers.

Key Features:

• Traction and Stress Reconstruction: Computes cell–matrix traction fields and monolayer stress tensors from measured substrate deformations and known substrate elasticity.
• Force and Stress Metrics: Calculates standard stress and force measures, including line tension to quantify force transfer across cell–cell boundaries.
• Scalable Analysis: Supports quantitative analysis of single cells, small cell patches, and entire confluent cell layers.
• Algorithm Validation: Validated using synthetic and experimental datasets to assess accuracy and robustness of TFM and Monolayer Stress Microscopy implementations.

Scientific Applications:

• Cellular Mechanics: Quantifies force generation and stress distribution during cell migration, tissue morphogenesis, and mechanotransduction.
• Biomedical Research: Supports studies in developmental biology, cancer research, and regenerative medicine through mechanical characterization of cell assemblies.

Methodology:

Substrate deformation fields are measured from cells cultured on elastic two-dimensional substrates. Traction Force Microscopy reconstructs cell–matrix traction vectors from displacement data and known substrate elasticity. Monolayer Stress Microscopy infers inter- and intra-cellular stress tensors within cell monolayers by solving force balance equations based on the reconstructed traction fields.