Mechanobiology investigates mechanotransduction—the conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals essential for development, homeostasis, and pathophysiology. While contact-based techniques provided foundational insights, they are limited by surface-centered analysis, substrate artifacts, and insufficient 3D spatiotemporal resolution. This review systematically explores non-invasive optical technologies designed to overcome these constraints. We first overview advancements in high-resolution 3D imaging and high-throughput platforms, followed by a discussion on label-free viscoelastic mapping via Brillouin microscopy and depth-resolved quantification via optical coherence elastography (OCE). We also address molecular-level readouts via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensors and pN-scale manipulation using optical tweezers, extending the research paradigm to active spatiotemporal control via optogenetics. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of these tools, emphasizing their role in establishing quantitative biomarkers and mechanistic insights for diverse physiological and pathological conditions.
Yu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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