Microneedles
Another technique to look at how cells respond to their environment is the use of microneedles. Microneedles are made of glass, and can be calibrated, so that we can measure how much force they can apply to a cell or how much force a cell produces. We know that cells do respond to physical force; for example, force applied to a neuron can influences the direction and rate of axonal growth.
Aplysia Californica growth cone interacting with apCAM-coated microneedle.
(Athamneh et al, 2015, Biophysical J, 109(7): 1358)