Emerging mechanobiology techniques to probe intracellular mechanics

Abstract Studying the physical properties of sub-cellular components is increasingly important in understanding cell mechanics. This review focuses on the most advanced techniques available for investigating intracellular mechanics. We distinguish methods that act as force generators and those that act as force sensors. We highlight six state-of-the-art techniques, with increased spatial and temporal resolutions: optogenetics, Brillouin microscopy, bacterial cells and nanorobots, optical tweezers, membrane tension probes, and magnetic particles.