Living Cells in Opto-Electrical Cages Characterisation Manipulation and Force Measurements

Abstract

The recent. rapid development of new and modified single cell characterisation techniques allows the realisation of individual cell- and micro particle-based diagnostic assays. These techniques are expensive and so the characterised or manipulated cells are valuable. Therefore, effective and loss free cell and particle manipulations are desirable. Here we demonstrate the combination of dielectrophoretic Forces created in octode micro electrode arrangements with optical particle trapping. An introduction into the field cage technique and the fabrication of micro systems with high optical quality is given. Applications, such as field calibration, pN-force measurement, single cell rotation and bead-cell manipulation and at least a 'micro turning lathe' are described.