Calculate 3D Traction Forces with Saenopy

An open-source software for calculating 3D traction forces in cell mechanics research, backed by a Nature Physics publication.

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Download Saenopy

Get started with Saenopy today. Available for Windows and Linux.

You can also install via pip: pip install saenopy

Features

Saenopy provides powerful tools for cell mechanics research.

3D Traction Force Microscopy

Calculate traction forces in three dimensions with high accuracy.

Non-linear Material Models

Support for various non-linear material models for accurate cell mechanics analysis.

Visualization Tools

Comprehensive visualization tools to analyze and present your results.

Python API

Fully scriptable with a comprehensive Python API for automation and integration.

GUI Interface

User-friendly graphical interface for researchers without programming experience.

Open Source

100% open source and free to use, modify, and distribute under MIT license.

Integrations

Aside from Saenopy's main use for 3D traction force microscopy, we provide integrations to related methods to assess cellular forces.

Spheroid
3D traction force microscopy on multicellular aggregates

Analyze forces in multicellular aggregates (so-called spheroids) embedded in 3D biopolymer networks.

Mark C., Grundy T., Strissel P., et al. (2020). "Collective forces of tumor spheroids in three-dimensional biopolymer networks". In eLife 9:e51912.

Orientation
Fiber alignment as a proxy for force

Use fiber alignment as a proxy for force when material properties are not available.

Böhringer D., Bauer A., Moravec I., et al. (2023). "Fiber alignment in 3D collagen networks as a biophysical marker for cell contractility". Matrix Biology, 124, pp.39-48.

pyTFM
2D traction force and monolayer stress microscopy

Analyze force generation and stresses in cell colonies and confluent cell layers growing on a 2-dimensional surface.

Bauer A., Prechová M., Fischer L., et al. (2021). "pyTFM: A tool for traction force and monolayer stress microscopy". PLoS computational biology, 17(6), e1008364.

Meet the Team

The brilliant minds behind Saenopy and its related projects.

RG
Richard Gerum
Lead Developer

Creator of Saenopy, pylustrator, and cameratransform. Specializes in scientific software development and data visualization.

CM
Christoph Mark
Physicist & Developer

Physicist focused on time series analysis and complex systems. Creator of jointforces for analyzing multicellular aggregates.

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David Böhringer
Developer & Researcher

Developer of CompactionAnalyzer for fiber alignment analysis. Specializes in biophysical markers for cell contractility.

Publications

Saenopy is backed by peer-reviewed research in leading scientific journals.

Nature Physics Publication

Our primary publication in Nature Physics describes the methodology and validation of Saenopy.

Nature Physics publication
Citations

Saenopy has been cited by numerous publications in the field of cell mechanics.

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Consulting Services

Get a head start with expert consulting from the Saenopy development team.

  • Implementation assistance for your specific research needs
  • Custom feature development and integration
  • Training and workshops for your research team
  • Ongoing support and troubleshooting