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Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP): Designs, advancements and recent applications to live-cell mechanobiology
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  • Laura Moldovan,
  • Caroline Song,
  • Catherine Chen,
  • Jerry Wang,
  • Lining Arnold Ju
Laura Moldovan
The University of Sydney
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Caroline Song
The University of Sydney
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Catherine Chen
The University of Sydney
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Jerry Wang
The University of Sydney
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Lining Arnold Ju
The University of Sydney

Corresponding Author:arnold.ju@sydney.edu.au

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Abstract

Mechanical forces play a crucial role in biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Recent advancements in dynamic force spectroscopies (DFS) have enabled the application and measurement of forces and displacements with high resolutions, providing insights into the mechanical pathways involved in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19. Among the various DFS techniques, biomembrane force probe (BFP) advancements have improved our ability to measure bond kinetics and cellular mechanosensing with pico-newton and nano-meter resolutions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the classical BFP-DFS setup and highlight key advancements, including the development of dual biomembrane force probe (dBFP) and fluorescence biomembrane force probe (fBFP). BFP-DFS not only enables the investigation of dynamic bond behaviors on living cells, but also contributed significantly to our understanding of the specific ligand–receptor axes mediated cell mechanosensing. Besides, we explore the contribution of discoveries made possible by BFP-DFS in cancer biology, thrombosis, and inflammation, as well as predict future BFP upgrades to improve output and feasibility. Although BFP-DFS is still a niche research modality, its contribution to the growing field of cell mechanobiology is unparalleled, and its potential to elucidate novel therapeutic discoveries is significant.
19 Feb 2023Submitted to Exploration
23 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
23 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Mar 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
08 May 20231st Revision Received
10 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
10 May 2023Assigned to Editor
16 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Accept