Data-driven traction force microscopy in 3D collagen hydrogels

Barrasa-Fano, J.; Kimps, L.; Apolinar-Fernandez, A.; Nunez Ortega, E.; Muntz, I.; Koenderink, G.; Sanz-Herrera, J.; Van Oosterwyck, H.

doi:10.1101/2025.11.17.688772

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.11.17.688772

Data-driven traction force microscopy in 3D collagen hydrogels

Barrasa-Fano, J.·Kimps, L.·Apolinar-Fernandez, A.·Nunez Ortega, E.·Muntz, I.·Koenderink, G.·Sanz-Herrera, J.·Van Oosterwyck, H.

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Abstract

Quantitative measurements of cell-generated forces in fibrillar hydrogels have traditionally modeled the extracellular matrix as a continuum. Here we present a data-driven 3D traction force microscopy (DD-TFM) approach that reconstructs discrete collagen fiber networks from second-harmonic generation images and assigns fiber mechanics calibrated by shear rheology. In silico tests confirm the robustness of an inverse force-recovery method, and application to cells in collagen reveals pulling patterns and fiber-level stress distributions.

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Barrasa-Fano, J., Kimps, L., Apolinar-Fernandez, A., Nunez Ortega, E., Muntz, I., Koenderink, G., Sanz-Herrera, J., Van Oosterwyck, H.. 2025-11-17. Data-driven traction force microscopy in 3D collagen hydrogels. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.17.688772

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