TFMLAB

TFMLAB computes active cellular traction forces from confocal microscopy images using 4D (x, y, z, t) Traction Force Microscopy analyses implemented in MATLAB.

Key Features:

• 4D TFM Analysis: Supports four-dimensional (x, y, z, t) Traction Force Microscopy to capture spatiotemporal evolution of traction forces in three-dimensional environments.
• MATLAB implementation: Provided as a MATLAB software package for TFM computations and analyses.
• Image processing: Performs image processing to enhance confocal microscopy image quality and prepare data for analysis.
• Cell segmentation: Segments cells to delineate cell boundaries within images for downstream analysis.
• Image alignment: Aligns images across time points or experimental conditions to ensure spatial consistency.
• Matrix displacement measurement: Measures substrate deformations to quantify matrix displacements caused by cells.
• Force recovery: Recovers traction forces from measured matrix displacements.
• Performance validation: Includes performance analyses conducted on real-world TFM cases.

Scientific Applications:

• Active force quantification: Computation of active cellular forces from confocal microscopy images in 4D TFM experiments.
• Mechanobiology studies: Investigation of cell mechanics and mechanobiological processes.
• 3D matrix mechanics: Analysis of mechanical properties and behaviors of cells embedded in three-dimensional matrices.
• Time-resolved response analysis: Assessment of how cells respond to different substrates or external stimuli over time.
• Cellular process investigation: Study of the role of cellular forces in migration, differentiation, and tissue development.

Methodology:

Image processing, cell segmentation, image alignment, matrix displacement measurement, and force recovery applied to confocal microscopy images to compute traction forces in 4D (x, y, z, t).