This protocol provides instructions for implementing multiphoton lithography to fabricate three-dimensional arrays of fluorescent fiducial markers embedded in poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels for use as reference-free, traction force microscopy platforms. Using these instructions, measurement of 3D material strain and calculation of cellular tractions is simplified to promote high-throughput traction force measurements.
Banda, O. A., Slater, J. H. Fabrication and Implementation of a Reference-Free Traction Force Microscopy Platform. J. Vis. Exp. (152), e60383, doi:10.3791/60383 (2019).