A practical review on the measurement tools for cellular adhesion force

TL;DR

This review discusses various techniques for measuring cellular adhesion force, emphasizing their applications, advantages, and limitations to guide researchers in selecting appropriate methods for biological and biomedical studies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of existing and emerging tools for quantifying cell adhesion strength, aiding in method selection for specific research needs.

Findings

Multiple techniques exist with distinct pros and cons.

Proper method selection is crucial for accurate cell adhesion measurement.

The review guides researchers in choosing suitable measurement tools.

Abstract

Cell cell and cell matrix adhesions are fundamental in all multicellular organisms. They play a key role in cellular growth, differentiation, pattern formation and migration. Cell-cell adhesion is substantial in the immune response, pathogen host interactions, and tumor development. The success of tissue engineering and stem cell implantations strongly depends on the fine control of live cell adhesion on the surface of natural or biomimetic scaffolds. Therefore, the quantitative and precise measurement of the adhesion strength of living cells is critical, not only in basic research but in modern technologies, too. Several techniques have been developed or are under development to quantify cell adhesion. All of them have their pros and cons, which has to be carefully considered before the experiments and interpretation of the recorded data. Current review provides a guide to choose the appropriate technique to answer a specific biological question or to complete a biomedical test by measuring cell adhesion.