Fig. 8.

Spatial distribution of tractions on two microgels inside a melanoma cell colony. a Confocal sections of two embedded microgels (Young’s moduli of 1440 Pa) in different focal planes inside a round colony. b Corresponding 3D total traction maps of the two microgels. Note that peak tractions and traction distributions are different for these two microgels in this round colony. c Images of two embedded microgels (Young’s moduli of 1440 Pa) at two different z positions in another round colony. d Corresponding 3D total traction maps of the two microgels. Note that tensile tractions are apparent on parts of the microgel #1 and traction distributions are dramatically different for these two microgels in this round colony. All scale bars, 20 µm