Temporal resolution

Physics

Cell

Nanotechnology

Biological system

Force dynamics

Image resolution

Biology

Optics

Resolution (logic)

Engineering

Live cell imaging

Artificial intelligence

Antenna (radio)

Acoustics

Chemistry

Materials science

Nano-

Computer science

Quantum mechanics

Traction (geology)

Biochemistry

Antenna array

Telecommunications

Mechanical engineering

Science Advances

Dynamic mapping of the cell-generated force of cardiomyocytes will help provide an intrinsic understanding of the heart. However, a real-time, dynamic, and high-resolution mapping of the force distribution across a single living cell remains a challenge. Here, we established a force mapping method based on a "light nano-antenna" array with the use of piezo-phototronic effect. A spatial resolution of 800 nm and a temporal resolution of 333 ms have been demonstrated for force mapping. The dynamic mapping of cell force of live cardiomyocytes was directly derived by locating the antennas' positions and quantifying the light intensities of the piezo-phototronic light nano-antenna array. This study presents a rapid and ultrahigh-resolution methodology for the fundamental study of cardiomyocyte behavior at the cell or subcellular level. It can provide valuable information about disease detection, drug screening, and tissue engineering for heart-related studies.

Dynamic real-time imaging of living cell traction force by piezo-phototronic light nano-antenna array