FIGURE 2.

Overview of selected different passively cell mechanics probing techniques from a biophysical point-of-view. The passive cell mechanical probing techniques can be subdivided into four groups, such as diffusion-based techniques including nanoscale particle tracking, contour-based techniques including membrane fluctuations and flicker spectroscopy, 2D force exertion-based techniques including traction force microscopy and micropillars, and 3D force exertion-based techniques including matrix fiber displacement analysis and matrix bead displacement analysis. All these techniques require adhesive cells.